A sense of anticipation, and perhaps apprehension, hangs in the air as President Trump sets his sights on the Department of Education. His administration, marked by a surprising level of activity, aims to address perceived waste and ideological programs within the department, a long-standing target of Republican reform efforts.

With Elon Musk at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration's approach to cost-cutting and streamlining has taken on a new intensity. Musk's track record, including his significant restructuring of Twitter, suggests a potential for radical change within the Department of Education.

The President has identified the Department of Education as a focal point for left-leaning ideologies, a concern frequently voiced by Republican candidates. However, previous attempts to significantly alter the department have largely failed. This time, with Musk's involvement, the outcome could be different. DOGE engineers are already investigating the department's operations.

The key to successful reform lies in understanding the Department of Education's core functions: managing student loans and grants, distributing K-12 funding, and overseeing various programs that influence ideological content in schools. Dismantling these functions requires a strategic, phased approach.

The first step involves separating the management of student loans and grants into a dedicated financial entity. This entity would focus on reforming the existing $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio, potentially shifting more responsibility to the private sector and addressing the growing student debt crisis.

Next, the administration, working with Congress, should convert the Department of Education's K-12 funding into block grants for individual states. This shift aims to empower states to tailor their spending to local needs, reducing federal oversight and the imposition of potentially contentious ideological agendas.

Finally, the administration should eliminate the department's centers of ideological production. This includes terminating programs and funding for NGOs that promote specific political viewpoints, particularly those related to critical race theory and gender ideology. The Office for Civil Rights, currently within the Department of Education, could be integrated into the Department of Justice.

The question of executive authority versus legislative action remains a point of discussion. While some believe the President has the power to dismantle the department directly, Congressional involvement may be necessary for a complete restructuring.

Public support is vital. The administration must clearly communicate that essential services, such as student loans, K-12 funding, and civil rights protections, will continue. The focus should be on eliminating divisive ideologies, echoing Musk's approach with USAID.

The first 100 days of a presidency are crucial for enacting significant change. With public approval potentially high, the administration, along with Musk, recognizes the importance of decisive action. The goal is clear: abolish the Department of Education and embark on a new era of education reform.