Republicans Could Abolish the Education Department. How Might That Work?

Former president Donald Trump wants the Education Department gone. A candidate for U.S. Senate suggested throwing the agency “in the trash can.” Another called it “one of the worst monstrosities that’s ever been created.” Getting rid of the Education Department is hardly a new idea. In fact, Republicans have campaigned on killing the agency since it was created in 1979, arguing the agency’s existence violates the Constitution (because the document doesn’t mention education) and is a prime example of federal bloat and excess. But calls for its demise have increased and intensified in recent years.