Opinions about the Department of Education are divided in America. Republicans and older votes see it as more of a failure, while Democrats and younger voters see it as more successful.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Trump administration is downsizing the Department of Education and trying to limit its authority.
Click on the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
Success or Failure?
- 48% believe the Department of Education (DoE) has succeeded in its mission to help every kid in the U.S. get a good education. 44% believe it has failed.
- Negative sentiment is stronger than positive sentiment. Just 6% say it has “totally succeeded” while 15% say it has “totally failed.”
- Democrats and younger Americans are more likely to say the Department of Education has succeeded, while Republicans and older Americans are more likely to say it has failed.
- Unlike in previous surveys, there is a significant difference in opinion between certain target voter groups. 53% of Trump Persuadable voters (those who approve of Trump policies but are undecided or voting Democrat on the 2026 generic ballot) say the Department of Education has succeeded. However, 49% (a plurality) of undecided or leaning New Majority voters say it has failed.
Bigger or Smaller Role
- 35% of Americans believe the Department of Education should play a bigger role in our nation’s education system. 33% say a smaller. 24% say the same sized role.
- Again, negative sentiment is stronger. Just 12% say a “much larger” role while 20% say a “much smaller” one.
- A plurality or majority of Democrats and younger Americans favor a larger role for the Department of Education, while a majority of Republicans and a smaller plurality of older Americans favor a smaller one.
Modest Support for Block Grants
- 52% support closing the Department of Education and giving the money it spends directly to states to improve schools as they see fit. 38% oppose. Those supporting include 77% of Republicans, 32% of Democrats, and 47% of independents.
- There are other demographic divides. 58% of men support the proposal compared to 47% of women. Most Gen Z voters oppose the idea while most voters in other age groups support it.
- Results among target voter groups are reversed from the previous two questions. 56% of Trump Persuadable voters support the proposal, compared to 50% of New Majority voters who are leaning or undecided about the vote for Congress.