By Robby Dorman
Illinois congressional representatives delivered sharply divergent reactions Thursday, March 20, to President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, a move that has reignited national debates over the federal government’s role in shaping the nation’s schools.
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), who represents Illinois’ 13th Congressional District issued a scathing critique of the president’s directive, calling it one of his “most destructive actions yet.” In a statement released from her office, she accused Trump of overstepping his authority and jeopardizing critical support for students and educators. “This department plays a critical role in helping Americans afford college, supporting students with special needs, and ensuring every child—no matter their zip code—has access to a high-quality education,” Budzinski said. She described the order as a “blatant overreach of executive authority” and challenged her Republican colleagues to defend potential cuts to education funding before their constituents.
Budzinski emphasized the impact on her district, where 305 traditional public and charter schools serve 112,960 students. These schools rely on $217 million in annual federal funding from the Department of Education, including $53.7 million for Title I programs aiding low-income students, $51.4 million for child nutrition initiatives, and $36.2 million for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Earlier this month, Budzinski underscored her commitment to these programs by inviting Lisa Quandt, a special education teacher from Belleville as her guest to Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 4. She said Quandt’s presence was intended to remind the president of the real people—particularly students with disabilities—who depend on federal resources for their education.
In stark contrast, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.), representing Illinois’ 15th Congressional District celebrated the executive order as a long-overdue victory for families and local control. “Today is a historic day for students and parents across America,” Miller said in a statement. “As a mother of seven homeschooled children, I applaud President Trump for completing his promise to dismantle the Department of Education and put parents back in control.” A vocal advocate for reducing federal involvement in education, Miller has consistently championed school-choice policies and criticized what she calls a “bloated system” run by “woke, unaccountable Washington bureaucrats.” She recently co-authored an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner with Rep. Mark Harris (R-N.C.), arguing that eliminating the department would “expand educational freedom, increase opportunities for families, and unlock our full potential.”
The executive order, signed earlier last week directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate steps to shut down the Department of Education, though it provides no specific timeline for completion. The department, which was established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter oversees billions in federal funding. Trump’s directive instructs McMahon to ensure the “continued, effective, and uninterrupted delivery” of essential services during the transition, with authority over education presumably returning to the states. However, legal experts note that dismantling a federal agency typically requires congressional approval, suggesting the order may face hurdles.
The move aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to shrink federal bureaucracy and empower local communities, but it has deepened divisions over education policy. Supporters, like Miller, argue it will free states and parents from burdensome regulations and allow for more tailored schooling options, such as charter schools and voucher programs. Critics, including Budzinski, warn that it could disrupt programs, widen inequities, and weaken protections against discrimination in education.
Budzinski is a former labor activist elected in 2022 and has prioritized education equity and workforce development, while Miller, a farmer and educator first elected in 2020 chairs the Congressional Family Caucus and has built her platform on conservative family values and limited government.
