What Just Happened?
Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of closing the Department of Education. After more than four decades and over $3 trillion spent with virtually nothing to show for it, President Trump’s bold plan will return education back where it belongs — with the states.
The order directs the Secretary of Education to:
“take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States, while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to enable parents, teachers, and communities to best ensure student success, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Our Nation’s bright future relies on…
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 20, 2025
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For folks who believe in limited government, this is a big win. The Department of Education has grown into a massive bureaucracy that spends billions without improving student learning.
In an exclusive interview with Breitbart, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo called this “one of the most influential reforms yet of his presidency” because it reduces the size of the Department of Education and returns education back to state control.
He added:
“Funding for the Department of Education has more than doubled since 1980 – yet billions more in funding hasn’t contributed to better education results. In fact, it’s done the opposite.”
Nevada Senate Republican Leader Robin Titus also supported the move, stating:
“I believe that the future of our children’s education should be in the hands of those who know their needs best-parents, our local communities and state governments.”
My #nvleg statement: https://t.co/y2TI0osv11 pic.twitter.com/jaJcsCm3iD
— Dr. Robin Titus (@drrobintitus) March 20, 2025
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Reading and math scores for American students are near historic lows. This year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that 70 percent of 8th graders were below proficient in reading, and 72 percent were below proficient in math. Over just the past decade, 8th grade math skills have plummeted two entire grade levels.
And what did we get for the trillions poured into the federal education bureaucracy? Failure.
The situation in Nevada mirrors these national trends, with the state consistently ranking near the bottom in educational performance metrics despite increasing federal involvement.
Nevada’s Senate Minority leader Titus said:
“Nevada has remained near the bottom of every educational measurement and it’s not acceptable. Change needs to happen.”
What Happens to Important Programs?
Don’t worry – the executive order ensures vital services continue without interruption.
Senator Titus reassured folks that:
“foundational federal laws – such as Title I and IDEA & Section 504 – will remain intact, ensuring core protections and access.”
What’s Next?
Senator Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said:
“Since the Department can only be shut down with Congressional approval, I will support the President’s goals by submitting legislation to accomplish this as soon as possible.”
Governor Lombardo highlighted that returning control to the states will:
“enable long-awaited curriculum and administrative reforms, while expanding opportunities for school choice and educational freedom.”
Governor Lombardo further emphasized that by returning curriculum to the state and district level:
“we will finally be able to teach common sense instead of Common Core.”
Vocational Education: A New Focus
One key benefit of returning education to the states is the ability to put more focus on job skills.
Governor Lombardo highlighted how states will be able to:
“retool high schools, so that students can get critical work experience in high school.”
Lombardo shared his experience hosting the National Governors Association on a tour of Southeast Career Technical Academy in Las Vegas:
“where we saw students graduating ready for careers in construction, the automotive industry, culinary arts, cosmetology, and cybersecurity.”
Lombardo said:
“My fellow governors would agree with me: we desperately need to invest in more vocational high schools and make them more available to more students that wish to pursue that educational path. President Trump’s Executive Order will enable us to do just that.”
For many conservative families who value practical skills and career readiness, this shift could mean more options that prepare students for good-paying jobs without requiring a four-year college degree. Local control means schools can better match their programs to the needs of local employers and industries.
This move puts parents and local communities back in the driver’s seat of education – exactly where many conservatives believe decisions about our children’s future belong.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
