Nevada officials and educators quickly responded to President Donald Trump’s executive order on Thursday to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. The decision is part of Trump’s promise to cut government spending he considers inefficient. The Education Department oversees crucial funding and regulations for schools, colleges, and at-risk students, including those from low-income or homeless backgrounds.
In response to the order, Nevada’s Democratic Senators, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, voiced strong opposition.
“I am a proud product of Nevada’s public schools, and President Trump’s decision puts Nevada’s children last,” Cortez Masto said. “Abolishing the Education Department could lead to cuts in teacher pay, eliminate special education programs, and harm Nevada’s students. Trump’s plan does not provide any way to ensure that states can effectively support education services. This will make it harder for Nevada families to succeed and for our kids to learn.”
Rosen also criticized the move, highlighting that Nevada receives over $1 billion from the Education Department, along with more than $70 million for federal TRIO programs that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Trump’s actions could slash support for public schools, reduce funding, and lead to fewer teachers. Meanwhile, he is pushing for more tax cuts for the wealthy,” Rosen said.
On the other side, Republican officials showed support for Trump’s executive order. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo published an op-ed praising the action as “one of the most impactful reforms” of Trump’s presidency. Lombardo argued that funding the Education Department has not led to improved academic results and has often had the opposite effect.
“By removing harmful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, restoring fairness in women’s sports, and promoting educational freedom, President Trump has already made significant strides in our schools,” Lombardo wrote. “Returning control over education to the states is the next key step in President Trump’s vision for transforming education.”
Nevada Senate Republican Leader Robin Titus also expressed support. “The future of our children’s education should be in the hands of those who understand their needs best—parents, local communities, and state governments,” Titus said. “I support changes that give states more control over education, allowing for more effective and responsive systems. Federal laws like Title I and IDEA & Section 504 will still ensure basic protections.”
Although functions like student loans and grant administration would remain at the federal level, oversight would shift to state and local school boards, according to the Trump administration.
The Nevada Department of Education said it would work with local education agencies to understand the potential impacts of the executive order. “We are closely monitoring updates on the U.S. Department of Education’s actions and any effects on our state,” the department stated. “We remain committed to working together with stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for Nevada’s students.”
