President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, potentially reshaping the landscape of American education.
Key Takeaways
- Trump plans to use executive actions to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise.
- The initiative aims to make the government more accountable and empower states in educational decision-making.
- Critics of the current system point to poor literacy and math rates among American students as justification for change.
- Complete elimination of the department would require Congressional approval, but Trump may take steps to reduce its size and influence.
- The move could significantly impact federal student aid programs and civil rights enforcement in education.
Trump’s Bold Move to Reshape American Education
In a move that could dramatically alter the structure of educational governance in the United States, President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. This action aligns with Trump’s long-standing vision of granting states more control over educational practices and policies.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed the administration’s intentions, stating, “President Trump campaigned on that promise, and I think the American people can expect him to deliver on it.” Leavitt emphasized the need for change, citing poor academic performance among American students.
The Department of Education's budget for fiscal year 2025 is $82.4 billion, with an average salary of $112,164, 56% higher than the average government employee.
Since its formation in 1979, the US has gone from 1st to 34th in OECD ranking.pic.twitter.com/8s2gRXHCPc
— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) February 3, 2025
Educational Shortcomings and the Path to Dismantling
The Trump administration points to alarming statistics to justify this drastic measure. Leavitt highlighted that “only 40% of fourth graders are reading at a proficient level,” suggesting that the substantial budget allocated to the Department of Education has not yielded satisfactory results. This data has fueled the argument for a significant overhaul of the federal role in education.
While Trump’s goal is to eliminate the Department of Education entirely, the process is not straightforward. Complete dissolution of the department would require Congressional approval. In light of this, the executive order being prepared by the administration significantly shrinks the department’s size and influence, potentially transferring some of its functions to other agencies.
Trump has nominated Linda McMahon to lead the Education Department, reportedly instructing her “to put herself out of a job.” This appointment reflects Trump’s preference for state-controlled education, as he has expressed his desire for “the states to run schools.”
Implications and Challenges
The potential dismantling of the Department of Education raises significant questions about the future of federal involvement in education. The department, established in 1979, currently manages a $1.6 trillion student loan program and enforces civil rights laws in educational settings. Its elimination could lead to a major shift in how these responsibilities are handled, possibly transferring them to other agencies or the private sector.
Critics of the move warn about potential disparities in educational quality across states and the loss of consistent national standards. However, supporters argue that increased state control could lead to more targeted and effective educational solutions tailored to local needs.
As the debate continues, the future of American education hangs in the balance, with potential far-reaching consequences for students, educators, and the nation’s educational system as a whole.
