Trump Prepares Executive Order to Disband Department of Education

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to release an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. This significant move could occur as early as Thursday, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The Journal’s sources, who have been briefed on the developments, accessed a draft of the order that outlines the president’s intentions. It includes directives for newly appointed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary legal steps to facilitate the department’s closure.

Critique of Federal Educational Oversight

The draft order reflects a growing frustration with what Trump describes as the failed federal oversight of American education. It includes a statement asserting that the attempt to control education at the federal level has not benefited students, teachers, or families.

According to the document, “The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars—and the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars support—has failed our children, our teachers, and our families.” This sentiment echoes Trump’s long-standing criticism of the department, which he believes has not provided adequate value to taxpayers.

Secretary McMahon’s Commitments

Shortly after taking office, McMahon reaffirmed her support for Trump’s vision, emphasizing a desire to return educational authority to the states. She stated her commitment to this mission, aligning closely with the president’s perspective on minimizing federal involvement in education.

The Department’s Current Status

As the smallest cabinet-level agency with approximately 4,500 employees, the Department of Education is now facing potential workforce reductions. This has led to an incentive program that offers up to $25,000 to employees who voluntarily resign or retire before the upcoming Monday deadline.

McMahon’s letter to Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions expresses her full support for abolishing the department, reiterating Trump’s assertion that governance should return to state control.

Focus on Educational Priorities

In her communications, McMahon emphasizes three core principles guiding the department’s new approach. First, she asserts that parents should be the primary decision-makers in their children’s education. Second, she insists that taxpayer-funded education must focus on essential subjects like math, reading, science, and history, rather than divisive programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lastly, McMahon advocates for a post-secondary education system that effectively prepares students for well-paying careers corresponding to labor market needs.

Concerns Over Educational Spending

Trump has criticized the current state of educational spending, claiming that while the United States spends more per student than any other nation, the results are subpar. In a November statement, he pointed out that the U.S. ranks 40th in global educational performance, highlighting a perceived inefficiency in the system.

These views underscore a broader conservative critique regarding federal education initiatives and the associated bureaucracy. The administration’s proposed changes are gaining traction among segments of the electorate that favor a radical rethink of federal involvement in education.

The Path Forward

The implications of this move could be profound for the educational landscape across the United States. Should the Department of Education be abolished, states may gain increased control over curricula, funding, and educational standards. While proponents argue that this could lead to more tailored and effective educational approaches, critics warn that local governance may not uniformly ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students.

As the administration progresses with its plans, stakeholders across the educational spectrum will be closely monitoring developments. The debate around federal versus state control in education is far from settled, and this executive order could redefine the parameters of that discourse.

Fox News Digital’s Aubrie Spady contributed additional insights to this report, reflecting the ongoing news coverage surrounding this significant policy shift.