President Donald Trump is planning to issue an executive order aimed at abolishing the Department of Education, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The order is expected to be announced soon and is part of Trump’s long-standing goal to dismantle federal education oversight.
The draft of the order suggests that newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon will be directed to take steps to close the department as much as possible within the bounds of the law. McMahon has expressed her support for this initiative, stating that the current federal control over education has not benefited students, teachers, or families.
In a letter to Senate Democrats, McMahon emphasized her agreement with Trump’s vision to eliminate the department. She highlighted that education decisions should be made at the state level rather than by federal bureaucrats. This aligns with Trump’s criticism of the Department of Education, which he has referred to as a “big con job.” He pointed out that despite spending more per student than any other country, the U.S. ranks poorly in educational outcomes.
The Department of Education, which employs around 4,500 people, is the smallest cabinet-level agency. Reports indicate that the department is offering incentives of up to $25,000 for employees to resign or retire as part of anticipated workforce reductions.
Trump and McMahon have indicated that the department will focus on three key principles: prioritizing parents in educational decisions, emphasizing traditional subjects like math and science over what they term divisive programs, and aligning post-secondary education with career opportunities.
This move to abolish the Department of Education is part of a broader agenda to shift educational authority back to states and localities, a strategy that Trump has championed throughout his presidency. The implications of this decision could significantly alter the landscape of education in the United States.