1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's plan to abolish the Department of Education through an executive order is a drastic measure that could have severe consequences for the nation's education system. The President has no constitutional or legal authority to abolish a federal department. While the federal government accounts for only about 10% of total school funding, the Department of Education plays a crucial role in distributing funds according to federal law and ensuring access to education for underserved populations, including students with disabilities and low-income students receiving Pell Grants and federal loans. Dismantling the agency unilaterally would disrupt the administration of these vital programs and jeopardize the education of millions of students across the country. Public opinion polls show that roughly two-thirds of Americans oppose closing the Department of Education, underscoring how unpopular and disruptive this move would be.