States React to Trump's Order Ending Education Department

On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to shift educational authority to states and local communities. The order has sparked mixed reactions from lawmakers, with some praising the move as a way to empower local educators, while others, like Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, warn it will harm educational opportunities for students and jeopardize funding for critical programs like Title 1 and Pell Grants. In Georgia, educators expressed concern over potential negative impacts, particularly for vulnerable students who rely on federal support. Similarly, leaders in Illinois and Indiana voiced fears that the closure could weaken protections for students with disabilities and reduce access to quality education. Many local institutions are currently uncertain about the implications of the order on their operations and funding. As the situation develops, schools across the nation are anxiously waiting for guidance on how these changes will affect their students and programs.