The Trump administration has proposed to dismantle the US Department of Education, which is opposed by a significant majority of Americans. In a new nationally representative poll commissioned by New America, a significant majority of Americans have voiced opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the US Department of Education.

The proposal shifts the responsibilities of the Education Department to other federal agencies. The US education department plays a critical role in overseeing key programs like Pell Grants and student’ loans.

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Under the poll conducted by New America, a staggering total of 55 percent of Americans responded negatively, while 26 percent voted in favor and 17 percent remain unsure. The opposition was particularly strong among Democrats with 89 percent rejecting the plan.

The dissolution of the education department will impact K-12 Education and Higher Education alike.

Impact on Low-Income Students

The department’s largest role in higher education is to grant and lend in service of college access and affordability. The Pell Grant helps to ensure that students can access higher education regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Replacing the federal system will bring state-by-state variation in how the program is designed and adminsitered. Changes to programs like Pell Grant will impact college access for low-income students. The increased state investment in higher education has not been passed by the Congress yet. A sophesticated plan is required to come out of the student aid business and an abrupt overhaul could jeopardize crucial college access.

Loan Repayment

The Higher Education will see the disruption in student loan infrastructure as it will push towards higher rates of student loan default. Student loan debt is the federal government’s largest financial asset. The Department of Education manages $1.6 trillion asset. It functions to disburse student loans, provides vital information to borrowers, investigates fraud and abuse in federal student aid programs and manages servicers.

Borrowers are now repaying loans without the protection provided under Biden administration post-pandemic. Elevated monthly payments and a debilitated department will worsen student debt crisis than ever, sending borrowers into default with little hope.

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Weakened Protection

The Department of Education runs the Pell Grant and federal student loan programs and protect students and taxpayers fron investing in low-quality or predatory programs. It manages student loan repayment plans. Administer grants for science and research. It operates in identifying high-value programs that fit their needs and defend students from discrimination.

The tranfer of the vital roles to other agencies will bring lack of expertise or experience which the department brings currently. It can put student borrowers, taxpayers and schools at risk.

Also, there are concerns that fewer voices will be in the department to protest the weaponization of its functions for political ends.