President Trump is set to take a bold step by issuing an executive action that could lead to the closure of the Department of Education. This announcement is expected as early as Thursday and follows a draft of the action that has come to light. The directive reportedly instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary measures to facilitate this closure.
This move has been anticipated since early February when the White House first hinted at significant cuts to the department. The action was delayed until after McMahon’s confirmation by the Senate, which occurred just recently. Democrats opposed her nomination, primarily because she pledged to work towards dismantling the department.
The draft order acknowledges the legal challenges of closing the department, as its establishment and functions are protected by federal law. Any substantial changes would likely require approval from Congress, which is currently divided along party lines.
In justifying the closure, the draft claims that since its inception in 1979, the Department of Education has spent over $1 trillion without improving student performance in reading and math. Data from The Nation’s Report Card supports this claim, showing little change in reading scores over the past few decades, while math scores have seen some improvement. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated student achievement, leaving many gaps that still need addressing.
Following her confirmation, McMahon expressed her commitment to executing the president’s vision. She referred to this initiative as a chance for the department to perform a "final public service" for future generations. However, the proposed closure raises concerns about the impact on vulnerable students, particularly those in low-income areas and children with disabilities, who benefit from federal support.
Federal funding accounts for about 10% of public school budgets, with the majority coming from state and local sources. The draft order claims that the federal approach to education has failed and suggests that education should be returned to state control.
The executive action arrives amid ongoing cuts and staff reductions within the department. Recently, significant funding for research and programs aimed at improving educational outcomes has been eliminated. Critics worry that dismantling the department could jeopardize essential services for the most at-risk students.
During her confirmation hearing, McMahon was pressed about the potential fallout from the executive action. She assured senators that while the department could be unwound, crucial funding streams like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act would remain protected.
Despite the administration’s plans, historical attempts to close the Department of Education have faced significant hurdles. Many key functions of the department enjoy bipartisan support, making its future uncertain. A recent poll revealed that a majority of Americans oppose the idea of closing the department, highlighting the contentious nature of this initiative.