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| Trump Moves to Dismantle Education Department, Raising Concerns Over Federal Funding, Student Loans, and the Future of U.S. Education Policy [gettyimages] |
President Donald Trump is preparing to take the first major step toward dismantling the Department of Education, an effort that has long been a hallmark of his campaign rhetoric. While the move aligns with his broader agenda of reducing federal oversight in education, it has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and opponents, setting the stage for a contentious political battle.
White House officials have reportedly finalized an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the process of shutting down the department. However, a precise timeline for Trump's signing of the order remains uncertain. A draft of the order emphasizes the administration’s belief that federal control over education has been ineffective, stating that such oversight has "failed our children, our teachers, and our families."
Trump has been vocal about returning educational authority to state governments, a sentiment echoed by many conservatives who view federal involvement as bureaucratic overreach. "We’re trying to get the schools back into the states. Let the states run the schools," Trump remarked when questioned about the order.
Despite Trump’s determination, fully eliminating the Department of Education will require congressional approval, a significant roadblock given that similar efforts have failed in the past. Even some Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism. Maine Sen. Susan Collins acknowledged that while restructuring or downsizing the department may be an option, "the decision of whether to abolish the department is one that only Congress can make."
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski also voiced reservations, emphasizing that the department has essential functions that need to be preserved. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have been swift in their criticism. Rep. Madeleine Dean condemned the move, arguing that it aligns with a broader conservative effort to weaken public education.
The Education Department plays a crucial role in distributing billions in federal funding to schools and colleges, overseeing student loans, and enforcing civil rights protections. Should the department be dismantled, its responsibilities would need to be transferred to other federal agencies. One proposal reportedly under discussion is shifting the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to the Small Business Administration, an agency previously led by McMahon.
Trump's plan also aligns with his broader push to curb what he describes as "radical indoctrination" in schools. His administration has already moved to defund diversity programs and other initiatives that he claims promote "woke" ideology. The Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by adviser Elon Musk, has aggressively cut contracts deemed wasteful and has significantly reduced the agency’s workforce.
Federal funding currently comprises about 14% of public school budgets, with an even greater reliance from colleges and universities that depend on grants and financial aid programs. Key initiatives such as Title I funding for low-income schools and programs for students with disabilities could be affected by the department’s closure.
Trump's administration has not detailed how these functions would be maintained, though conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation have suggested transferring oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services before eventually converting federal funding into block grants for states.
While Trump remains steadfast in his commitment to abolish the Education Department, the lack of clear operational details and resistance from lawmakers, including some within his own party, suggests that this battle is far from over. For now, both supporters and critics of the plan remain on high alert as they anticipate the next move in what promises to be a highly polarizing policy fight.