In a bold move, Donald Trump is once again pursuing his ambition to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. An executive order could be issued soon, marking a significant step in Trump’s ongoing efforts to reduce federal oversight in public education.
Trump has previously referred to the department as a “big con job,” advocating for its elimination since his first term.
What Happens If the Department Closes?
The Department of Education plays a critical role in the U.S. education system by:
- Managing $1.6 trillion in student loans.
- Providing federal funds to support low-income school districts.
- Assisting with programs for special needs education, arts, and infrastructure.
Its sudden shutdown could disrupt funding to K-12 schools and jeopardize college tuition aid for millions of students.
Congress Approval Still Needed
While Trump is eager to move forward, Congress controls the department’s funding, making a complete shutdown difficult without legislative support.
- Trump’s education secretary, Linda McMahon, acknowledged that dissolving the department would require Congressional action.
- She reassured lawmakers that federal funding for key school programs would continue during the transition.
Teachers’ unions and education advocates are expected to strongly oppose the plan.
Political Motivation Behind the Move
Trump and key allies like Elon Musk have openly criticized government programs, seeking to minimize federal involvement.
The Department of Education has been a particular target, especially following Democratic policies under Joe Biden, such as student loan forgiveness and diversity initiatives.
Abolishing the department would mark Trump’s first attempt to dismantle a cabinet-level agency, sparking significant debate over the future of federal education policy.
