President Trump has made a bold move by signing an executive order aimed at dismantling the federal Department of Education (DOE), fulfilling a longstanding promise to conservatives. Now, I’m not going to lie—on the surface, it’s satisfying to see a president finally take a swing at an overreaching federal agency that’s been meddling in our schools for decades. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While I’m all in favor of dismantling the DOE, I’ve got some reservations about how Trump’s going about it.

Executive Actions: A Double-Edged Sword

Let me be clear: I’m not a fan of governing by executive order. Whether it’s a Republican or Democrat in the White House, executive actions are a slippery slope. They’re meant for emergencies and urgent situations, not for bypassing Congress just because it’s more convenient. Our Founding Fathers designed a system of checks and balances for a reason—to prevent any one branch of government from wielding too much power. When presidents on either side of the aisle start acting like kings, it sets a dangerous precedent.

Sure, it’s tempting to applaud when a president signs an executive order that aligns with our beliefs. But think about it: What happens when the next administration comes in and reverses it with the stroke of a pen? Executive orders are like writing laws in sand—they can be washed away as soon as the tide turns. As journalists from Reuters rightly point out, “shuttering the agency completely requires an act of Congress.” Trump’s order is just a step—an important one—but it’s not the final word.

If we’re serious about eliminating the DOE for good, we need to do it the right way—through Congress. That’s how you make change stick. Trump’s executive order is a start, but it’s far from the finish line.

Why the Department of Education Needs to Go

Now, with that out of the way, let’s get down to why dismantling the Department of Education is not just a good idea—it’s essential. I wrote about this in detail in The Case for Dismantling the Department of Education, and my position hasn’t wavered one bit.

The federal government has no business dictating education policy from Washington, D.C. It’s been a colossal mistake ever since Jimmy Carter established the DOE in 1979. Think about it—education is one of the most personal and community-centered aspects of our lives. Why should bureaucrats hundreds of miles away decide how our kids are taught?

The problem with the DOE isn’t just that it’s overreaching—it’s that it’s ineffective. Over the past four decades, federal involvement in education has done little to improve academic outcomes. Test scores have stagnated, achievement gaps persist, and we’re pouring more money into the system than ever before with little to show for it. The DOE has become a bloated, inefficient bureaucracy that hampers innovation rather than encouraging it.

Federalism Works—Washington Micromanagement Doesn’t

One of the most common objections to dismantling the DOE is the fear that some states will “fall behind” without federal oversight. It’s as if folks have forgotten how federalism is supposed to work. As Spencer Cox rightly points out in the Washington Examiner, “Our founders expected states to try different approaches and learn from one another. Innovation happens when states are free to lead, not when Washington imposes one-size-fits-all solutions.”

That’s exactly right. America’s strength has always been its diversity—not just culturally but in how states govern themselves. Education isn’t something that benefits from a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach. What works for rural Alabama isn’t necessarily what works for downtown Chicago or the suburbs of Denver. By allowing states to innovate and tailor their educational systems to their own populations, we encourage creative solutions and foster accountability.

Plus, if one state really messes it up, parents and families have the power to make their voices heard by voting for new state school board members and holding their local leaders accountable. They can demand change right where they are. That’s the beauty of local control—parents get a direct say in how their schools are run and can advocate for policies that reflect their values and priorities. Instead of being stuck with top-down mandates from Washington, families can shape education by participating in their own communities and making their votes count.

Competition between states will also be a powerful driving force, motivating them to improve and stay responsive to the needs of their citizens. When states know they’re being measured against each other, they’re more likely to innovate, raise standards, and adopt successful policies from their peers. Instead of complacency, competition encourages accountability and fosters a culture of constant improvement—all without federal micromanagement.

But What About Accountability?

Critics argue that without a federal watchdog, some states might neglect disadvantaged students or fail to meet basic standards. Let’s get one thing straight: Accountability doesn’t have to come from Washington. States are more than capable of holding schools accountable—especially when local communities are involved. If a state’s schools are failing, the people living there have every reason to demand better. Local control doesn’t mean no oversight—it means better oversight.

In fact, the federal government has a track record of doing more harm than good when it comes to accountability. Just look at No Child Left Behind and Common Core. Both initiatives aimed to increase accountability, but instead, they created confusion, lowered standards, and made teachers’ jobs even harder. Instead of fostering innovation, they turned education into a test-obsessed bureaucratic nightmare.

Let Parents and Communities Lead the Way

One of the most overlooked aspects of dismantling the DOE is the opportunity it creates for parents and local communities to reclaim their authority over education. Who knows better what children need—parents and local teachers or bureaucrats in Washington? If we truly care about empowering parents and tailoring education to fit individual students’ needs, we need to move away from centralized control.

Churches, community groups, and local organizations have been stepping up for years to support education where the government has failed. Imagine how much more effective they could be without federal red tape and unfunded mandates holding them back.

The Path Forward: A Real Legislative Solution

Trump’s executive order may be a symbolic first step, but real progress requires Congress to step up and do its job. We need legislation that not only eliminates the DOE but also returns funding and decision-making power to the states. This isn’t just about shrinking the government for the sake of it—it’s about restoring American principles of liberty, self-governance, and local accountability.

If Congress can’t muster the will to make this happen, it’s time for voters to elect leaders who understand that Washington doesn’t have all the answers. We need representatives who will stand up for the principles of federalism and put power back in the hands of parents and local communities.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to take education out of the hands of distant bureaucrats and put it back where it belongs—with parents, teachers, and communities. Trump’s executive order is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. Real, lasting change will only come through the proper legislative process.

Let’s remember: This isn’t just about eliminating a federal agency. It’s about restoring our founding principles and giving our children the education they deserve—one that’s shaped by the people who know them best. Let’s do it the right way, through Congress, and make it stick for good.