The cuts to ED workers may have deleterious impacts on packages. Even when layoffs don’t translate to cuts in program funding, they might have an effect on mortgage servicing, FAFSA, particular schooling companies, or the like.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION. Yup. Chopping the division by 50 % actually may influence its skill to reply questions or handle operations. Certainly, some media accounts have recommended it’s already taking place. After all, it’s additionally attainable the cuts may make means for a extra agile, environment friendly division. However the administration hasn’t but defined the rationale for the cuts it made, articulated a imaginative and prescient of how a leaner ED will work, addressed the varied sensible issues, or supplied proof to assist its logic. Till it does, confidence within the efficacy of the cuts is generally a matter of religion.
Whereas the president says he’s looking for to empower the states, dismantling ED gained’t essentially accomplish that. Heck, it seems like downsizing ED may even complicate efforts to slash pink tape or shift authority out of Washington. It would make it more durable to streamline guidelines or situation waivers.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION. The inefficiency at ED is much less concerning the individuals than the morass of guidelines and laws which have collected over a long time. That is broadly misunderstood. Have a look at Title I, as an example. Chopping workers (and even dismantling ED) gained’t resolve the problems with this system’s “effort and time” reporting, “complement not supplant” strictures, or “upkeep of fairness” mandates. Equally, the boggy paperwork that suffuses particular schooling is much less concerning the ED staffers who function it than the stacks of case regulation and accompanying guidelines that complicate it. Lowering the federal payroll is ok however doesn’t actually resolve these issues. Slashing pink tape and returning energy to the states requires rewriting guidelines, issuing waivers, convincing state and college leaders that it’s protected to behave autonomously, or passing laws that may reboot the system. And it’s attainable {that a} lack of educated workers or the lack of institutional reminiscence may make these items tougher to do.
There’s a political threat right here for the White Home. Given the high-profile try to interrupt up the division, the Trump administration may depart itself open accountable for all method of acquainted issues in Okay–12 and better schooling.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION. When President George W. Bush contemplated invading Iraq in 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell famously warned him in opposition to doing so. Why? “You break it, you’ve purchased it,” he mentioned. That warning is apropos right here. DOGE has painted a vivid goal on ED, and President Trump’s White Home signing ceremony means he’s publicly and viscerally concerned. The administration’s “transfer quick, break issues” method will make it powerful to dodge accountability if issues emerge with FAFSA, scholar lending, or particular schooling, whatever the wrongdoer. If Staff Trump fails to make a convincing case that issues are below management, will probably be simpler for Democrats accountable the EO for all types of frustrations—regardless of how tenuous the declare. Musk waving his chainsaw, Trump signing that EO, after which a collection of suburban mothers blaming Musk and Trump for particular ed complications may present indelible pictures for Democratic marketing campaign advertisements in 2026.
