Trump Pushes Forward with Executive Order to Disband Department of Education

Trump Pushes Forward with Executive Order to Disband Department of Education

President Donald Trump is preparing to take significant steps toward abolishing the Department of Education. The announcement comes as he plans to sign an executive order, aligning with a campaign promise made during his tenure as a candidate. Trump has characterized the department as populated by radicals and Marxists, asserting that it undermines American families.

A fact sheet released by the White House claims that this initiative will empower families by transferring educational authority away from bureaucracies. This decision is poised to shape the future of education in America.

Leadership Changes Following Senate Confirmation

The directive for dismantling the department follows the Senate’s confirmation of Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as the new leader. McMahon was confirmed on March 3 and promptly issued a memo expressing her support for the administration’s objectives. She depicted the change as a means to initiate a ‘new era of accountability’ in the agency.

McMahon stated, ‘The reality of our education system is stark, and the American people have chosen President Trump to implement meaningful changes in Washington.’ She emphasized the need to respect the will of the electorate and complete the critical task of removing bureaucratic inefficiencies from the Department of Education.

Teacher Unions and Public Reaction

In response to the anticipated executive order, the American Federation of Teachers urged Congress to take a stand against the measure. The union’s leadership stressed their commitment to advocating for the interests of all children and families, arguing that all students deserve future opportunities, not limiting their prospects.

A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll indicates that more than 60% of Americans strongly oppose the elimination of the department. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, argued that the Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring equal educational opportunities across the nation.

The Constitutional Challenge

Despite Trump’s executive order, the reality is that the abolishment of the agency would require congressional approval, as dictated by Article II of the U.S. Constitution. Such legislation would demand at least 60 votes in the Senate, where currently only 53 Republican senators hold seats.

Nevertheless, there exists a faction within Congress pushing for the disbanding of the department. Notably, Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky introduced legislation earlier this year seeking to eliminate the agency by the end of 2026.

Massie’s Stance on Education

Massie has expressed his belief that Washington bureaucrats should not oversee the moral and intellectual education of children. He insists that local governments and communities are better positioned to curate educational curricula tailored to their students’ needs.

Trump’s Vision for Education

In earlier remarks, Trump indicated that he ultimately envisions a system where states have control over schools, championing the concept of school choice. His comments underscore a desire to evaluate the role of federal education authorities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt communicated reassurance that Trump aims to fulfill the promises made during his campaign. During an interview on February 4, she stated that Trump is committed to moving forward with plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

The Department of Education’s Role

Initially established in 1980, the Department of Education aims to bolster the coordination of federal education programs and provide support to state and local education systems. In the fiscal year 2024, the agency was allocated a budget amounting to $79.1 billion.

Trump has criticized the department for supposed mismanagement and increasing government control in education. He has characterized it as a ‘government education swamp’ that misuses taxpayer dollars to promote ideological indoctrination.

Educational Performance Concerns

Critics of the Department of Education reference troubling data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or the Nation’s Report Card. The recent findings showcased stagnant math performance among eighth graders and a decline in reading scores, provoking questions about the effectiveness of current educational policies.

Betsy DeVos, a former Secretary of Education, argued in a recent op-ed that a comprehensive overhaul of the education system is necessary. She advocates for closing the Department of Education, believing it has prioritized diversity and inclusion over essential educational foundations.

Democratic Opposition and Future Uncertainty

As discussions surrounding the future of the Department of Education continue, Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding potential plans for its closure. In a letter sent to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter, they vowed to oppose actions that could undermine educational opportunities for American students.

They reiterated the legislative intent behind the establishment of the Department, emphasizing the goal of ensuring all students access high-quality education while safeguarding their civil rights, regardless of their ZIP code.

Looking Ahead

As the details of Trump’s executive order unfold, the implications for American education could be profound. This development highlights a turning point in discussions surrounding educational reform, potential political pitfalls, and the future landscape of education in the United States.

This report includes contributions from the Associated Press and Fox News’ Kayla Bailey. Stay tuned for ongoing updates regarding this evolving story.