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Republican Lawmakers Slam Department of Education as ‘Partisan Agenda Machine,’ Call for Major Overhaul
FNF News – May 22, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education is under renewed fire from Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators, who claim the federal agency has strayed far from its mission and instead become a vehicle for partisan ideology and political activism.
Amidst growing cultural battles over school curriculum, parental rights, and academic standards, GOP voices are intensifying their call for a dramatic restructuring—or even abolition—of the Department of Education.
“A Partisan Group of Losers”—Conservatives Attack Credibility
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) did not mince words during a House Education Committee hearing earlier this week, accusing the department of “dumbing down America” and promoting what she called “radical, left-wing propaganda” in schools.
“This department has zero credibility. It’s run by a partisan group of losers who care more about gender ideology and DEI [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion] programs than reading, writing, and math,” Boebert said.
She was joined by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who echoed the sentiment, stating:
“Every parent in this country should be asking—why is the federal government in charge of what our kids are learning? The Department of Education has become a bloated, ineffective bureaucracy that puts politics over performance.”
Flashpoint: New Curriculum Guidelines
The latest controversy stems from a proposed Department of Education guideline urging public schools to include more inclusive curriculum frameworks that reflect “diverse historical perspectives,” including gender studies, racial equity modules, and LGBTQ+ narratives.
While supporters argue these updates are necessary to reflect America’s multicultural history, critics say it’s part of a deliberate attempt to politicize education and undermine parental rights.
“They don’t care about education. They care about controlling narratives and indoctrinating our children,” conservative radio host Mark Levin said on his show this week.
Abolish or Reform? The GOP’s Growing Consensus
Calls to abolish or significantly reform the Department of Education have become more mainstream within the Republican Party. Former President Donald Trump and presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy have both made dismantling the department a core campaign promise.
“We don’t need unelected bureaucrats in D.C. deciding what 5th graders in Texas or Tennessee should read,” Ramaswamy said in a recent town hall.
A proposed bill in the House titled the “Education Freedom Act” would eliminate federal oversight of curriculum standards and shift funding control directly to states.
Democratic Pushback: “This Is Political Theater”
Democrats, meanwhile, have dismissed the GOP outrage as “dangerous political theater.” Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), a former educator himself, defended the Department’s mission.
“These attacks are not based on fact. They’re based on fear and a desire to keep kids ignorant of our full national history,” Bowman said. “We’re trying to prepare children for the real world—not hide them from it.”
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona also responded, stating:
“Our focus remains on educational excellence and equity. The politicization of education only hurts students.”
Public Opinion Divided
A recent Gallup poll shows the American public is deeply divided:
- 48% of Republicans support abolishing the Department of Education entirely
- 71% of Democrats view the department favorably
- 58% of independents support increased local control over curriculum but oppose complete abolition
Parental rights groups like Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education have gained traction, organizing protests and school board takeovers across the country.
The Bigger Picture
The clash over the Department of Education is emblematic of a larger ideological war playing out in America’s institutions. Education—once seen as a bipartisan priority—is now ground zero in a cultural and political tug-of-war.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Republicans are expected to campaign heavily on education issues, portraying themselves as defenders of parental rights and traditional values. Democrats, on the other hand, will continue emphasizing inclusivity and federal support to close the achievement gap.
Conclusion
With both sides digging in, the debate over the future of the Department of Education is likely to intensify. Whether reform or abolition wins out, one thing is clear: the classroom has become the front line in America’s ongoing political battle.
Sources:
- Gallup Poll – National Education Survey 2025
- C-SPAN – House Education Committee Hearing Transcript, May 2025
- AP News – GOP Education Agenda
- Washington Post – Department of Education under Fire