US President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order aimed at dismantling the federal education department, fulfilling a controversial campaign promise. The move is expected to be a significant step in Trump’s ongoing efforts to reduce the influence of the federal government on education and return more control to individual states.
The White House has confirmed that Trump will sign a series of executive orders since his return to office on January 20, but the specifics of the orders, including the one concerning the Department of Education, have not been fully disclosed. While the orders are expected to focus on various policy areas, this particular move will likely have long-term consequences for federal education oversight.
During his presidential campaign, Trump frequently criticized the federal education department for its “excessive” spending power, despite the US continuing to fall behind other countries in education standards. Trump argued that the government should not be micromanaging education, and that states should have more autonomy to make decisions about their schools. His stance aligns with his broader goal of reducing federal intervention across various sectors.
In addition to concerns about spending, Trump has also expressed frustrations with the perceived “liberal” bias in many U.S. schools and institutions. This executive order is part of a broader strategy where Trump has already signed several executive orders addressing contentious cultural issues such as race, gender, and free speech on college campuses.
Although an executive order could limit the scope and effectiveness of the Department of Education, a complete shutdown would require Congressional approval, which is unlikely given the current political climate. However, experts believe the move will still significantly weaken the department’s powers and functions, particularly in terms of enforcing federal education policies and overseeing public schools.
Trump’s previous choice to appoint Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, to head the department raised eyebrows and was seen as a signal of his desire to diminish the department’s influence. The recent focus on closing down federal agencies like the education department and USAID has intensified following Elon Musk’s involvement in government efficiency efforts. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reportedly been scrutinizing data from various agencies, including the Department of Education, sparking further controversy.
The move to weaken or shut down agencies such as USAID and the Education Department has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups, who warn that such actions could have disastrous effects on essential services like healthcare, education, and international aid. Experts fear that closing the Education Department would undermine critical programs designed to support students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
While the full impact of the executive order remains to be seen, it is clear that Trump’s administration is determined to reshape the landscape of American education, signaling a shift in how the U.S. government will engage with public schooling and federal oversight in the coming years.
