The Relentless School Nurse: Trump’s Political Theater Sets Stage to Dismantle the US Department of Education

On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The signing event, held in the East Room of the White House, was a staged spectacle in front of students. Trump asked them, “Should I proceed with this?” before signing the order. The disturbing visual was dystopian: children were used as props to announce a policy that would profoundly undermine their education and well-being.

The executive order initiates the process, but Congress would need to pass legislation to fully dismantle the department. The coming months will determine whether this misguided and dangerous campaign promise taken directly from the pages of Project 2025 moves forward.  For school nurses and educators, this moment is more than political theater; it is a stark reminder of what is at stake for public education and student health.

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Public education is more than just a system of schools; it is the embodiment of our civic values and ideals. It represents the belief that education is so vital for individuals and society that it must be freely available to all. 

The Department of Education plays a crucial role in ensuring access to education for students across the United States. It oversees federal student loans and manages various student aid programs. The department enforces civil rights laws, ensuring that all students are protected from discrimination. It works to maintain quality standards nationwide by supporting programs that benefit economically disadvantaged students, those with disabilities, and students who require additional support to succeed. The importance of the DOE cannot be overstated and its dismantling is one of the most egregious acts of revenge this administration has inflicted to date. 

• Over 50% of school nurse funding comes from federal programs such as Medicaid reimbursements and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Without federal oversight, these resources could be fragmented or reduced.

• Disruptions in funding for school health programs would leave many schools without school nursing services.

• Students with chronic conditions will lose access to critical care during school hours if funding for school nurses is cut. 

School nurses are already juggling care for hundreds/thousands of students due to limited resources. What happens when that funding is slashed—students’ health needs will go unmet, putting their health, safety, and academic success at risk.

Civil Rights and Health Equity

• Federal civil rights protections ensure that marginalized students receive equitable access to health services in schools. Without these safeguards, disparities could deepen.

• Students with disabilities who rely on federally mandated services through IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) will have reduced support.

Special Education and Health Services

• How will schools manage services for students with complex medical conditions if federal coordination disappears?

• Children will not receive the care they need.

• Cuts to IDEA funding would leave students with disabilities without crucial support and services that are provided during the school day.

Public education is not just an expense; it’s an investment in our collective future. Research shows that high-quality education leads to lower unemployment rates, reduced welfare dependency, improved public health outcomes, and increased tax revenue. Investments in school health services lead to better academic performance and long-term benefits for students’ physical and mental well-being.

The forced closure of the US DOE is a short-sighted move of pure retaliation that threatens not only public education but also the vital health services provided in schools. Public education is the great equalizer—the foundation on which our democracy rests—and its erosion puts our nation’s future at risk.

School nurses and educators committed to equity and student success, must fiercely advocate against this initiative steeped in revenge. Engage with lawmakers at every level to voice your opposition and demand continued funding for both education and health services in our schools.

The next time you step into a classroom or see a child sitting at their desk—just as those children sat around Trump during his signing ceremony—ask yourself: What happens when their safety net disappears? The stakes are too high to remain silent. We have to take every action possible to protect public education—and the health and future of every child.