In a new nationally representative poll commissioned by New America, a significant majority of Americans have voiced opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the US Department of Education. According to the findings, over half of American adults, 55 percent, are against the plan, which forms a central part of President Donald Trump’s right-wing agenda as outlined in Project 2025. The poll, conducted between February 21 and 25, 2025, paints a stark picture of the public’s concerns over the potential dismantling of the Education Department.
The proposal, which would see the responsibilities of the Education Department shifted to other federal agencies, has drawn sharp criticism, especially due to the critical role the department plays in overseeing key programs like Pell Grants and student loans. As Trump’s administration pushes forward with its government downsizing agenda, the Education Department remains one of the most contentious targets.
Public opposition to elimination of the Education Department
The poll results show clear and overwhelming opposition to the proposal across various demographic groups. When asked about eliminating the Education Department, 55 percent of Americans responded negatively, with only 26 percent in favor and 17 percent unsure. The opposition was particularly strong among Democrats, with 89 percent of them rejecting the plan. Meanwhile, among Republicans, 51 percent were in favor, with 27 percent opposed, and 22 percent undecided. Independents also showed significant opposition, with 54 percent disagreeing with the proposal.
As reported by the New America, the partisan divide is unmistakable, reflecting the broader political divides in the country, but the overall sentiment against the proposal remains strong. The poll also sheds light on the dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s approach to federal governance, which many see as being driven by ideological motivations rather than practical benefits for students and families.
Concerns over shifting student aid responsibilities
The proposed shift of the Education Department’s duties to other federal agencies, such as moving the office responsible for Federal Student Aid (FSA) to the US Department of Treasury, has raised alarms. Federal Student Aid handles crucial programs, including Pell Grants and student loans, which impact millions of Americans. However, the Treasury Department lacks experience in managing these intricate programs, leading to widespread skepticism about the effectiveness of such a shift.
According to the New America poll, 62 percent of Americans oppose moving these responsibilities to other agencies with no experience in overseeing financial aid. The opposition was particularly high among Democrats, with 89 percent expressing disapproval, followed by 57 percent of Independents, and 43 percent of Republicans. The poll underscores that most Americans believe the existing system, managed by the Education Department, is best suited to handle these critical functions.
Americans reject AI chatbot replacements for call centers
Another controversial element of the Trump administration’s education reform involves replacing human-run federal student aid call centers with AI chatbots. These call centers are currently responsible for assisting students and families with nuanced questions related to financial aid, including eligibility for grants, loans, and repayment options.
However, the New America poll reveals that Americans are highly skeptical of this proposal. Two-thirds (68 percent) of those surveyed oppose replacing human call center staff with AI, citing concerns over accuracy and the quality of assistance students would receive. Among Democrats, 86 percent are against the idea, while 58 percent of Republicans also expressed opposition to the shift. Only 15 percent of all Americans favor the use of AI chatbots to replace human support in such a critical area.
Canceling contracts and halting research
As part of the broader efforts to cut government spending, the Trump administration has also moved to cancel nearly $900 million in contracts with the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the research arm of the Education Department. These contracts supported crucial research on student learning and educational outcomes. The termination of these contracts has raised concerns about the loss of valuable data and the waste of taxpayer funds that had already been invested in the projects.
As reported by the New America, 63 percent of Americans oppose ending research into the effectiveness of educational programs. The opposition spans party lines, with 44 percent of Republicans, 64 percent of Independents, and 86 percent of Democrats rejecting the cancellation of these research contracts. The public seems to recognize the importance of data-driven approaches in improving education, especially for disadvantaged students.
Opposition to key proposals

Source: New America
Potential consequences for students and taxpayers
Dismantling the Education Department could have far-reaching consequences, especially for low-income students, students of color, and those with disabilities. As noted in the poll findings, critics argue that eliminating the department would lead to significant disruptions in services, potentially derailing students’ college journeys. Furthermore, the loss of oversight could make students and taxpayers vulnerable to fraud and abuse of federal funds—something that contradicts the Trump administration’s purported goals of efficiency.
The public’s concern over these proposals reflects a broader skepticism of the administration’s approach to governance, especially when it comes to programs that directly impact Americans’ education and financial futures. With the Education Department playing a crucial role in supporting student learning and safeguarding taxpayer dollars, many Americans are questioning whether these proposed cuts and reforms are in their best interest.