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Trump Signs Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education
US President Donald Trump has officially enacted an executive order aimed at the dismantling of the Department of Education, fulfilling a commitment he articulated during his campaign for the 2024 elections.
After signing the order, Trump declared, “We’re going to shut it down as quickly as possible,” marking a significant effort to rein in what he perceives as an ineffective federal agency.
Trump’s call to eliminate the Department of Education has long resonated with conservative factions, but the complete dissolution of the agency would necessitate congressional consent, which seems improbable given the current political landscape.
This initiative is already facing substantial legal hurdles from adversaries seeking to prevent the department’s closure and contesting the significant staffing reductions that were publicized last week.
The President argued that “the US spends more money on education by far than any other country,” yet lamented that students “rank near the bottom of the list in terms of success.” This statement underscores his administration’s ongoing critique of educational outcomes versus financial investment.
The White House has indicated that while Trump seeks to curtail operations within the department, any actions taken will remain within legal parameters.
Nevertheless, numerous initiatives launched by the Trump administration—such as extensive firings and the slashing of federal budgets—have historically faced judicial scrutiny, suggesting that this executive order will likely encounter similar resistance.
During the signing event, Trump extolled Linda McMahon, his appointee to lead the education department, expressing his hope that she would become the last individual to hold the position. He also indicated intentions to assign her to a different role in the administration.
Following the executive order, Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy declared plans to introduce legislation aimed at formalizing the closure of the Department of Education. However, the slim Republican majority in the Senate complicates this goal, as closing a federal department would require a 60-vote threshold.
Even if the department does not face outright closure, the Trump administration has the leeway to drastically diminish its funding and workforce, akin to the reductions made at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which adversely affected various humanitarian programs.
Details within the executive order remain vague regarding the specific programs that may be targeted for elimination. The order mandates McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” and transfer authority over educational matters to state and local governments while ensuring uninterrupted services and programs.
Established in 1979, the Department of Education is tasked with overseeing funding for public schools, managing student loans, and administering programs designed to support low-income students. Critics, including Trump, assert that the department has promoted agendas that they view as indoctrinating youth with specific ideological perspectives.
A common misperception is that the department operates schools directly and dictates curricula; however, that responsibility predominantly lies with state and local educational authorities. Only a small fraction—approximately 13%—of funding for public schools is derived from federal sources, with the majority coming from state and local taxes.
The agency is also fundamental in managing federal student loans that millions of Americans utilize to finance their higher education.
Leadership Transition and Final Mission
Shortly after her appointment, McMahon addressed the department’s 4,400 employees in a memo titled “Our Department’s Final Mission.” She framed the endeavor as an opportunity for staff to contribute meaningfully to future generations of students.
McMahon wrote, “This is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service to future generations of students,” expressing her aspiration to leave the educational landscape stronger and infused with hope.
Previous indications suggested that the Trump administration would look to eradicate certain programs and reallocate others to different departments, potentially including the Treasury.
Trump and allied Republicans have positioned the Department of Education as a promoter of what they term “woke” ideology, asserting that it advocates liberal viewpoints on gender and race.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the nation’s largest teachers’ union, responded critically, claiming the administration fails to prioritize equitable opportunities for all children. In their response, they noted, “No one likes bureaucracy, and everyone’s in favor of more efficiency,” while cautioning against using anti-woke rhetoric to justify cuts to essential services for vulnerable populations.
It is important to recognize that the majority of American students attend public schools, which are administered free of charge by local authorities. Almost all funding is sourced from state and local taxpayers, with curriculum decisions governed by state education departments and local school boards.
A Historical Context
The Department of Education, as it exists today, was established in late 1979. Not long after, former President Ronald Reagan initiated calls to diminish its role in an effort to reallocate authority and resources to local education systems.
At present, it is the smallest agency within the president’s cabinet, representing less than 2% of the overall federal budget. Recent staffing cuts, overseen by initiatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), have already significantly impacted employees, leading many to retire or face termination.
Approximately 2,100 employees are expected to be placed on administrative leave starting March 21, reflecting the ongoing efforts to streamline operations. These initiatives are reported to be overseen by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, whose involvement underscores the administration’s broader ambition to reform federal spending and restructuring initiatives.
Source
www.bbc.com