Trump seeking to abolish Department of Education: report
President Donald Trump is poised to issue an executive order, potentially on Thursday, with the goal of abolishing the Department of Education, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This move comes after the president tapped Linda McMahon as the Education Secretary and directed her to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the department within the limits of the law.
The draft order emphasizes the failure of federal programs and funding in controlling American education, calling it an unsuccessful experiment that has not served the best interests of children, teachers, and families. McMahon, upon assuming her position, expressed her intention to return education responsibilities to the states.
President Trump has long expressed his desire to dismantle the Department of Education, citing its shortcomings in improving the educational outcomes of American students. He highlighted the discrepancy between the significant per-pupil spending in the country and its mediocre ranking in global education standards. Trump’s vision is to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and empower states to take the lead in shaping education policies.
In a letter addressed to Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, McMahon affirmed her support for Trump’s agenda to abolish the department. With approximately 4,500 employees, the Department of Education is the smallest cabinet-level agency. Reports indicate that the department is offering incentives for staff to resign or retire, potentially signaling upcoming workforce reductions.
McMahon outlined three core principles that will guide the department under her leadership. These include prioritizing parents as the primary decision-makers in their children’s education, shifting focus towards essential subjects like math, reading, science, and history instead of divisive programs, and aligning post-secondary education with workforce demands to ensure career readiness.
The proposed changes reflect President Trump’s commitment to streamlining the education system and empowering states to tailor educational policies to their unique needs. The move towards decentralization and a renewed focus on core academic subjects is aimed at improving educational outcomes and preparing students for success in the workforce.
In conclusion, the potential abolition of the Department of Education marks a significant shift in federal education policy under the Trump administration. By devolving responsibilities to the states and emphasizing core academic subjects, the administration aims to create a more efficient and effective education system that better serves the needs of students and families.
