In a significant move, President Trump has enacted an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise that has been well-received by certain conservative factions. While addressing a gathering at the White House, Trump labeled the agency as responsible for "breath-taking failures" and indicated a desire to return educational funds to individual states. He expressed his intention to expedite the department's shutdown, although White House officials conceded that such a closure would necessitate congressional approval.
Public education in the United States operates primarily at the state and local levels, with only about 13% of schools' funding derived from federal sources. Established in 1979 to manage student loans and assist low-income students, the department has come under fire from Trump, who has accused it of promoting biased ideological content in schools.
Standing with students in the White House, Trump pointed out that while the US leads in education spending globally, student performance lags significantly. He mentioned that the nation allocates around 5.4% of its GDP to education, highlighting a paradox where funding does not correlate with student success. The department's budget was approximately $238 billion last year, representing less than 2% of the federal expenditure.
The executive order is expected to face litigation akin to other initiatives from the Trump administration aimed at downsizing the federal government. At the signing event, Trump commended Linda McMahon, whom he appointed to oversee the department, expressing the hope that she would be the last person to hold that position. Plans for closure are complicated by the slim Republican majority in the Senate, which makes achieving the necessary 60 votes for legislative change improbable.
Despite the likelihood of continued legal battles, Trump could still reduce the department's funding and workforce significantly, mirroring moves made against the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The specifics surrounding the execution of the executive order remain ambiguous, as McMahon is tasked with overseeing the transition of responsibilities to state authorities while ensuring ongoing services.
Shortly after her appointment, McMahon issued a memo declaring the mission of the department as its "final mission," emphasizing a focus on enhancing American education for future generations. The American Federation of Teachers has been vocal in opposing Trump's plans, arguing that necessary reforms should not come at the expense of disadvantaged students.
The push to eliminate the Department of Education has been a long-standing goal among conservatives since its inception, with Ronald Reagan being an early advocate for its abolishment. Currently, staff members at the agency are bracing for substantial cuts, with potential layoffs of over 2,100 employees occurring shortly.
As the administration strives to implement its vision for education reform, the long-term impact of Trump's executive order remains to be seen, sparking intense debate regarding the future of educational funding and accessibility across the nation.
