President Donald Trump is reportedly finalizing an Executive Order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise to shrink the size of the federal government. However, experts are cautioning that such an action, while theoretically possible, would be complex due to its legislative foundations. As Jonathan E. Collins, a political science and education professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, notes, 'You can’t just drop a bomb on the Department of Education and turn it into rubble.' He emphasizes that the authority to abolish or significantly change the structure of the Department rests solely with Congress, not the President. The Executive Order, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, would seek to limit the Department's functions to those specifically outlined in existing statutes. This includes barring it from performing its extensive responsibilities, such as administering Pell Grants and federal work-study programs that support higher education funding. Despite Trump’s intentions, many televised bipartisan programs overseen by the Department, like Title I assistance for low-income students, enjoy broad support from congressional lawmakers concerned about preserving funding for their local institutions. Given the bipartisan nature of education funding, experts suggest Trump may focus on reducing the agency's responsibilities rather than total dissolution. As the administration considers reallocating specific educational programs and funding streams, the challenge remains: 'You can’t just get rid of those funded programs,' argues Josh Cowen, an education policy expert. 'You have to have a very clear plan for which dollars are going where and to which agencies.' Moreover, the proposed approach reflects a broader strategy to redefine the role of federal involvement in education, outlined in the Project 2025 playbook by the Heritage Foundation. Underpinning this political maneuvering is a push from some lawmakers, particularly conservatives, who advocate for a more localized and parental-influenced education framework. Rep. Thomas Massie has indicated his support for formal legislation aimed at abolishing the Department of Education altogether, accumulating backing from 30 Republican colleagues. Despite these efforts, experts warn that dismantling or reforming such a pivotal agency is fraught with legal and logistical hurdles, likely drawing scrutiny from the courts on constitutional grounds. In a pointed letter to the acting Secretary of Education, five Democratic senators expressed their firm opposition to any efforts to undermine the Department, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding equal educational access and civil rights for all students. As discussions evolve, the fate of the Department hangs in the balance, with stakeholders advocating to protect vital programs that shape the educational landscape across the country.