Trump Education Department executive order: On Thursday, President Donald Trump will issue a landmark executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This long-awaited action seeks to fulfill a major campaign pledge by returning control of education to the states.
Several Republican governors and state education commissioners will gather at the White House for the signing ceremony. Trump Education Department executive order: The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take the necessary steps to close the department. Nevertheless, Congress would still need to approve the agency’s full closure.
Why Is Trump Dismantling the Department of Education?
Trump and other Republicans contend that the results of education have suffered as a result of federal oversight. Despite the department’s oversight of programs like Title I funding for low-income schools and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the administration claims that academic performance has declined.
“After spending $1 trillion over 46 years, our schools are falling further behind,” Trump said last month, citing declining test scores. He pointed to math and reading levels for 13-year-old students, which have hit their lowest levels in decades.
What Will Change?
- State Control: States will have greater authority over their education systems.
- Federal Funding: Federal funding programs like student loans, disability programs, and Title I will remain but may shift to state control.
- DEI Restrictions: Federal funds are now prohibited from advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or gender ideology initiatives.
- Staff Reductions: The Education Department has reduced its personnel from 4,133 to 2,183 employees through voluntary buyouts and layoffs.
Political and Legal Difficulties
Legal challenges against the order are anticipated. The administration’s recent efforts to dismantle organizations like the U.S.
The Agency for International Development (USAID) were blocked in court. Legal experts suggest Congress’s role in funding education could complicate the department’s closure.
Even some Republican lawmakers remain skeptical. Moderate senators may oppose the move, making it difficult to pass legislation fully dismantling the department.
What Happens Next?
The agency is unlikely to close immediately, but Secretary McMahon will begin developing a transition plan. Trump has also hinted at reorganization rather than total demolition, possibly shifting responsibilities to other government agencies.
No immediate changes will be felt by families now receiving federal education support. Nonetheless, school districts and teachers should be ready for any changes in funding and policy.
Source: USA Today
