Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to shut down the Department of Education, despite mixed messages from his administration.
At a recent event in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “Well, I want to just do it. I mean, we’re starting the process.” Reports suggested he planned to sign an order to begin dismantling the department, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed these claims as “fake news.”
Still, Trump remains committed to his plan, arguing that individual states should manage their own schools instead of a federal agency. “If they run their own education, they’re going to do a lot better than somebody sitting in Washington, D.C.,” he said.
What Does the Department of Education Do?
The Department of Education is responsible for:
- Providing federal financial aid for students
- Conducting education research
- Ensuring schools follow anti-discrimination laws
- Supporting students with disabilities
It does not control school curriculums, which are determined by state and local governments. However, Trump believes that the department interferes with state authority.
When asked about student loans and grants, Trump suggested transferring these duties to other departments, such as the Treasury, Small Business Administration, or Commerce Department.
The Plan to Downsize the Government
Trump has long pushed for a smaller federal government, already making cuts to agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Closing a federal department, however, would require Congressional approval, something no recent president has attempted.
Documents leaked to the media indicated that Trump’s executive order would direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to shut down the department. However, legal challenges could arise, as past critics have accused Trump of exceeding his executive powers.
Concerns Over the Closure
Many Democrats strongly oppose eliminating the Department of Education. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that it would harm students, teachers, and families, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
“The impact of this decision will harm nearly every child, every teacher, every family, and every community,” Schumer said.
The department’s closure would also affect:
- Title IX enforcement, which ensures gender equality in schools
- Federal programs supporting students with disabilities
- The distribution of $102 billion in education funding
Critics argue that eliminating the department would shift financial burdens to state governments, which may lack the necessary funds, particularly in rural areas.
The Politics Behind the Move
Conservatives have long criticized the Department of Education, believing it promotes a “woke” agenda. Trump and his allies have pledged to keep schools free from political influence.
Trump also supports “school choice” policies, allowing families to use public education funds for private schools. Additionally, he has threatened to cut funding to universities that do not crack down on student protests, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Conclusion
Although Trump is eager to dismantle the Department of Education, legal and political challenges make it uncertain whether this plan will succeed. While some conservatives support the move, critics argue that it would weaken the nation’s education system and create financial difficulties for many states.
