Trump plan to abolish Dept. of Education gets support from top Republican

House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg recently expressed his support for President Donald Trump’s potential move to abolish the federal Department of Education. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Walberg emphasized the need to return control of education to the states, particularly for K-12 education, and to reform higher education institutions. However, he also voiced skepticism about whether Congress would be willing to support such a drastic measure.

Walberg highlighted the Senate’s requirement for a 60-vote threshold for most legislation, indicating that Republicans might have to seek Democratic support if a bill to abolish the Department of Education were to come before Congress. He acknowledged the challenges of garnering enough votes to completely eliminate the department but suggested that Congress could explore alternative measures to reform and improve the education system.

President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to abolish the Department of Education, a move that has long been advocated by conservative Republicans. This decision comes shortly after the confirmation of Linda McMahon as the new Secretary of Education. The department, established in its current form in 1980, was separated from the Department of Health and Human Services during the Carter administration.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed openness to the idea of abolishing the Department of Education, emphasizing the importance of empowering parents and local authorities in educational decision-making. By decentralizing control over education, Johnson believes that communities can better tailor education to meet the needs of students.

As discussions surrounding the potential abolition of the Department of Education continue, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to President Trump’s proposed executive order. While the path to completely eliminating the department may face hurdles, lawmakers like Walberg and Johnson are advocating for reforms that prioritize local control and parental involvement in education.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is closely monitoring developments related to education policy and congressional actions. For the latest updates on this story and other political news, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send any tips or insights to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.