Trump Signs Order to Begin Closing Department of Education
In a major move to reshape the U.S. education system, President Donald Trump signed an order aimed at shutting down the Department of Education. This decision aligns with a long-standing goal of conservatives. They believe education should be managed by individual states rather than the federal government.
A Big Change in Education Policy
During a special ceremony at the White House, Trump signed the order while surrounded by schoolchildren. He described it as a step toward eliminating the department entirely.
“We’re going to shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s doing us no good,” Trump said. “We’re giving education back to the states where it belongs.”
The Department of Education, established in 1979, cannot be fully closed without Congress’s approval. However, the executive order is expected to reduce its funding and staff, weakening its influence over national education policies.
What This Means for Schools
The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to begin shutting down the department. McMahon, formerly a business executive, has already moved to cut the department’s staff in half.
“The goal is to return as much funding as possible to the states, cutting out the unnecessary bureaucracy in Washington,” McMahon stated.
Republican leaders, including governors from several states, attended the signing ceremony to show their support. Many conservatives argue that this move will improve education by reducing federal interference and increasing local control.
Reactions to the Decision
Not everyone agrees with this decision. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and educators, argue that federal funding is essential for low-income schools and students with special needs.
One lawmaker called the move “one of the most destructive and devastating steps ever taken in education policy.” Others fear it could weaken protections for students’ civil rights, which have been enforced at the federal level for decades.
Despite concerns, the administration has stated that some functions of the Department of Education, such as student loan programs, will continue in a smaller capacity.
A Broader Plan for Government Changes
Trump, along with advisor Elon Musk and the newly established Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE), has already started efforts to shrink or eliminate various federal agencies. Several government departments have faced staffing cuts and funding reductions.
Some of these efforts have faced legal challenges. For example, a recent attempt to dismantle an international aid agency was temporarily blocked by a federal judge who ruled that the move might violate the U.S. Constitution.
Looking Ahead
With this executive order, Trump has taken a major step toward his goal of limiting federal involvement in education. Whether Congress allows the full closure of the Department of Education remains uncertain, but the administration is determined to reshape the education system in favor of state control.
The coming months will reveal how this policy shift will affect students, teachers, and schools across the country.
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