Senator Marsha Blackburn Tells Supporters the Department of Education Will be ‘Shuttered’ by Trump Before 2026

President Trump standing with Senator Marsha Blackburn (Photo by Marsha Blackburn)

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and provide more authority over education to the states.

Sunday night, Blackburn gave a timeline of when she believes that plan will come to fruition.

“We don’t need this in D.C., it needs to be sent back to the people and to the states,” said Blackburn. “The U.S. Department of Education is going to be shuttered by the end of the year.”

Senator Blackburn’s remarks came State Senator Jack Johnson’s, R-Franklin, annual Boots & Jeans, BBQ and Beans event at the Factory of Franklin, where she framed Trump’s plans for education as part of a larger opportunity for Tennessee in the new administration.

Senator Blackburn speaking at Sunday’s event (Photo by Marsha Blackburn)

Blackburn said she’s the leader the state needs to take advantage of Trump’s work to shrink the federal government and provide more power to the states.

“With President Trump sending everything back to the states, this is the opportunity to have a reset,” said Blackburn. “Right now, our state does not need a manager. Our state needs a leader.  A leader that can chart the path forward so that for the next several decades, we are going to be a solid conservative state, and that leader is me.”

Race for Governor

Blackburn is among multiple Republicans who’ve announced campaigns for governor in 2026, including U.S. Congressman John Rose, and State Representative Monty Fritts, R-Kingston.

Senator Johnson was among the first lawmakers to endorse Blackburn in the race, and she complimented his leadership Sunday night opposing illegal immigration, gender reassignment surgery for minors, and transgender sports issues.