A recent survey by the Yes Every Kid Foundation, a school choice advocacy group, reveals that while 51% of voters initially oppose abolishing the U.S. Department of Education (with 38% in favor), support surges to 56% after respondents learn that K-12 funding would be preserved and essential functions transferred to other agencies—dropping opposition to 30%. Further details, such as long-term declines in reading and math scores, boost approval to 59%.
Madi Biedermann, a Department of Education communications official, emphasized the Trump administration's focus on decentralizing education to states, reducing federal bureaucracy while safeguarding funding for low-income schools, students with disabilities, and civil rights protections. Secretary Linda McMahon has already halved the department's size through program consolidations, as full closure requires congressional action that Republicans currently lack votes for.
The article argues that highlighting the department's high per-student spending—averaging $17,277 nationally in recent years—coupled with its limited impact on outcomes amid stagnant or declining test scores, could further increase public backing. This contrasts with mainstream media polls portraying the idea as unpopular, suggesting better communication could garner widespread support for Trump's agenda.
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