President Donald Trump‘s controversial plan to dissolve the Department of Education has been put on hold, according to reports from ABC News. Sources within the White House revealed that the executive order, which was expected to be signed on March 6, 2025, will not move forward due to growing backlash. The order, initially seen as a drastic step to reduce federal influence over education, called for the closure of the department and the transfer of responsibilities to the states.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the reports by denying that the executive order would be signed, labeling them as “fake news.” As posted on X (formerly Twitter), Leavitt stated, “The president is not signing the executive order today.” This decision marks a significant delay in what was anticipated to be a major shift in US education policy.
Internal resistance and concerns
Behind the scenes, concerns about the potential fallout from such a sweeping move were raised by top administration officials. According to ABC News, there was particular concern about the impact the dissolution could have on critical programs like the school lunch program, which millions of children rely on. Other federal initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable students, including those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I funding for low-income families, could also be jeopardized.
As reported by ABC News, an education leader who represents parents and families nationwide said, “These EOs are not dictates from a king, and we are going to challenge him using every resource we can, including the courts.” This statement reflects the growing opposition to Trump’s plans, which have stirred significant legal and public resistance.
Potential impact on public education
Experts have expressed concern that dissolving the Department of Education could have devastating effects on public education, especially for high-need students. Many rely on the department’s programs and funding, which include scholarships, grants, and specialized services for students with disabilities. The proposed dissolution would leave billions of dollars in limbo, affecting millions of students across the country.
Moreover, ending the department would strip away federal oversight, potentially leading to an uneven quality of education across states. Critics argue that such a move would exacerbate disparities, particularly in underfunded districts.
Congressional hurdles and future outlook
For Trump’s plan to move forward, it would require congressional approval—a major hurdle. As reported by ABC News, any attempt to dissolve the Department of Education would likely fail in the Senate, where securing 60 votes would be challenging. Even Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has acknowledged that congressional action is necessary for the plan to succeed.
McMahon, who was appointed to lead the department, noted during her confirmation hearing that the effort to close the department would need to be done “right” and that it “certainly does require congressional action,” according to ABC News.
As resistance from education leaders continues to mount, the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain, with legal battles likely ahead. For now, the plan is on hold, but the debate over the department’s future is far from over.
