POLL: How many in NC oppose Trump's plan to ‘dismantle' the Department of Education?
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In an executive order that sent shockwaves through the country, President Donald Trump called for the 'dismantling' of the Department of Education.
The order was a big step toward fulfilling a campaign promise, but it's not one that sits well with most North Carolinians.
DEEPER DIVE | Trump's education secretary may be asked to dismantle the Education Department. Here's what it does
A Meredith College Poll released Thursday shows less than 30% of N.C. voters support dismantling the department. Roughly 63% do not approve such an action with 49% expressing that they strongly disapprove.
Below are the results collected in the February 2025 poll.
POLL QUESTION:
Response
Number
Percentage
Strongly support
97
14
Somewhat support
102
15
Somewhat oppose
99
14
Strongly oppose
342
49
Don't know
63
9
Looking to the big picture, poll director David McLellan said the concept is not a new one.
'The idea of closing the Department of Education has been around since the Reagan administration,' he said, 'but President Trump is the first president to take real action on this plan.'
McLellan added, 'This is the kind of issue that may be better as a campaign talking point than an actual action when it comes to getting public support.'
The only demographics who showed majority support for the department's elimination were those who self-identified as 'very conservative' and those who are above 80 years old.
Among all Republicans polled, less than half want the department to close (47.1%).
Trump's pick to lead the department is Linda McMahon, who is in confirmation hearings this week. A final vote to confirm or deny her appointment could be made as early as next week.
What to know about Linda McMahon, Trump's pick for Education secretary
McMahon's background in education appears to be limited to 'about one year on Connecticut's State Board of Education', according to NPR. Her accolades, however, include holding leadership positions at WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) for nearly three decades, including CEO. She also led the U.S. Small Business Administration for about two years under President Trump's first term.
If appointed, it's unclear how long she would hold the job as Trump has called the department 'a big con job' and would 'like it to be closed immediately'.
The White House confirmed that it will call on McMahon, once confirmed, to draw up a blueprint for Congress to close the department entirely after taking action to cut any programs not currently protected by law. How many in NC want medical marijuana legalized?
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How President Trump, Josh Stein rank in approval from NC voters
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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