Department of Education significantly dismantled in new Trump executive order

President Donald Trump made a significant move on Thursday by signing an executive order to scale down the Department of Education, a decision that is likely to face legal challenges and will require Congressional approval. Trump has long expressed his desire to reduce the federal government’s role in education, with the goal of returning authority to the states and families. The President emphasized the need to improve education in the country, stating that the United States has been lagging behind for a considerable amount of time.

The executive order aims to shift the focus of education from bureaucracies to families and instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education. While the agency will not be entirely shuttered, it will be greatly minimized, with a focus on overseeing Pell Grants and student loans to provide financial aid for undergraduate students. The goal is to ensure the effective delivery of services and programs while returning education authority to the states.

Despite the White House’s efforts to downsize the Department of Education, recent polls have shown a decline in Americans’ satisfaction with the quality of education in the country. The administration has criticized the state of U.S. education, citing declining test scores and stagnant academic performance among students. The move to scale down the agency is part of a broader effort to address these issues and improve the education system.

However, the executive order to abolish the Department of Education will require Congressional approval, as outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution. The measure would need 60 votes to pass in the Senate, posing a challenge as there are currently only 53 Republicans. Despite the potential hurdles, there is support for such legislation, with some lawmakers expressing their agreement with President Trump’s goals.

If successful, the closure of the Department of Education could have far-reaching consequences for students and families. Critics have warned that college education may become more costly, job training programs could be cut, and services for students with disabilities may be impacted. The move has already sparked legal challenges, with a group of attorneys general from 21 states filing a complaint in federal court, arguing that efforts to dismantle the agency violate the separation of powers.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration’s efforts to scale down the Department of Education will impact the education system in the United States. The decision to shift education authority to the states and families reflects the administration’s commitment to improving education outcomes and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively. The future of education policy in the country will depend on the outcome of this contentious debate.