In a landmark move today, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to shift educational authority back to the states. The order tasks Education Secretary Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, with facilitating the closure of the agency to the maximum extent possible and permitted by law. This reflects a longstanding Republican objective to reduce federal involvement in education.
Following the executive order, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon released a statement praising the decision and outlining the administration’s vision for the transition:
“Today’s Executive Order is a history-making action by President Trump to free future generations of American students and forge opportunities for their success. We are sending education back to the states where it so rightly belongs.
“Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states to take charge and advocate for and implement what is best for students, families, and educators in their communities.
“Closing the Department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them—we will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers, and others who rely on essential programs. We’re going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure a lawful and orderly transition.
“With today’s action, we take a significant step forward to give parents and states control over their children’s education. Teachers will be unshackled from burdensome regulations and paperwork, empowering them to get back to teaching basic subjects. Taxpayers will no longer be burdened with tens of billions of dollars of waste on progressive social experiments and obsolete programs. K-12 and college students will be relieved of the drudgery caused by administrative burdens—and positioned to achieve success in a future career they love.”
While the executive order initiates the process, fully abolishing the department requires congressional approval—a challenging prospect given the current political landscape. The Department of Education, established in 1979, manages significant federal funding for K-12 schools and higher education, including a $1.7 trillion student-loan portfolio and enforcement of civil rights laws.
McMahon will face numerous complications in closing the department, including navigating federal contracts, transitioning financial aid programs, and addressing the civil rights protections enforced by the agency. Critics argue that dismantling the department could harm low-income families, students with disabilities, and impact programs like student loans and Pell Grants. The move has already sparked legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general and opposition from education advocates concerned about potential disruptions to essential services.
Despite these concerns, President Trump emphasized that the transition aims to empower states and local communities, reducing bureaucracy and enhancing local governance in education. The executive order marks the beginning of a lengthy and politically charged process that could reshape the future of American education.
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