Tennessee Lawmakers and Educators Clash Over Trump’s Plan to Dismantle the Education Department
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — People across Tennessee are reacting to President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, which calls for reducing the role of the U.S. Department of Education. The move, though symbolic, signals Trump’s aim to eventually eliminate the department, leaving education decisions largely in the hands of individual states.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee attended the signing event at the White House. While the order itself doesn’t immediately dissolve the department—it would need Congress to fully do that—it does show a clear direction. After the signing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured that essential services of the Department of Education would continue for now.
Governor Lee praised the move, calling the Department of Education “an $80 billion failure” in a press release from his office. According to Lee, Tennessee’s education system already focuses on the unique needs of students and gives parents the power to choose what’s best for their children. He stressed that Tennessee has a strong record of wisely using taxpayers’ money to benefit both students and teachers.
The statement from Lee’s office read:
“In Tennessee, we understand that the best education system considers the unique needs of every student and empowers parents to choose what’s best for their child. We also have a proven track record of stewarding tax dollars wisely to achieve the maximum benefit for our students and teachers. By returning education to the states, we can once again make an American education the gold standard across the globe.”
More Funding, Fewer Restrictions?
Governor Lee spoke to reporters outside the White House, saying that cutting federal control will allow more education funds to stay in Tennessee. He argued that federal funds usually come with many rules, restrictions, and bureaucracy. Without these federal strings attached, Lee believes states will have more flexibility to use the money in ways that directly benefit students.
“This decision will mean that the state has more funding. Federal dollars that have come to the state have come with barriers and strings attached—bureaucracy, really,” Lee said. “Now, those dollars will be freed up to flow to states to use in the way that they see best for their children.”
Other Tennessee lawmakers also took to social media to support the executive order. Cameron Sexton, Speaker of Tennessee’s House of Representatives, posted that the order matches Tennessee’s long-standing goal to have full control over its education system. Senator Marsha Blackburn shared her support, saying Trump has her “full support in eliminating the Department of Education.”
Additionally, Rep. Andy Ogles expressed strong opinions, claiming that the Department of Education has been spreading “woke, anti-America curriculum” in schools. He thanked Trump for taking action.
Concerns from Educators and Organizations
However, not everyone is happy with the decision. Tanya T. Coats, President of the Tennessee Education Association, issued a statement strongly opposing the executive order. She warned that the move is not truly about giving control to states but could instead harm students and public schools.
“Shutting down the U.S. Department of Education isn’t about ‘state control.’ States already control most of public education. It’s about taking away much-needed services from our students, and then dismantling, defunding, and privatizing our great public schools,” Coats said.
She emphasized how the federal government has historically played an important role in protecting vulnerable and minority students, especially during the civil rights movement. Coats believes removing federal involvement could put at risk the civil rights protections, academic lessons, and life skills that students need to succeed.
One major concern she highlighted is the impact on students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program currently ensures that students with special needs receive proper support through individualized education plans (IEPs). Coats warned that if this program is moved to another department, it could cause confusion and create hurdles for these students and their families.
“If the U.S. Department of Education is broken apart, the rights of students—particularly our most vulnerable—will be undercut,” she added. “The risk of unequal access to necessary educational services would be a critical concern, as students in under-resourced states could face significant barriers in receiving the support they need to succeed academically and socially.”
What’s at Stake for Public Schools
Educators fear that cutting back the Department of Education could lead to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and fewer protections for students. This could also mean reduced access to after-school programs, summer learning opportunities, and support for low-income students aiming for college.
Coats also raised concerns that privatizing public schools might deepen economic gaps and create divisions in society, which could ultimately hurt American democracy.
While Trump’s order has been welcomed by many Tennessee lawmakers, educators and public school advocates are calling for caution. They argue that the decision could have lasting negative effects on future generations.
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