In a significant move, President Donald Trump is expected to release an executive order on Thursday that could lead to the dissolution of the Department of Education. This information was reported by The Wall Street Journal, which cited sources familiar with the situation and reviewed a draft of the executive order.
The draft order outlines directives for the newly appointed Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, instructing her to take necessary actions to facilitate the closure of the Education Department, to the maximum extent allowed by law. The document criticizes the experiment of controlling American education through federal programs and funding, stating that it has ultimately failed to support children, teachers, and families.
Trump has consistently voiced his concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Department of Education, emphasizing that it has not benefited America's students. In a statement made last November, he described the current education system as a "big con job." He highlighted a stark contrast in educational outcomes, stating that while the U.S. ranks No. 1 globally in spending per pupil, it falls short at No. 40 in overall educational rankings.
The Department of Education has also made headlines recently by canceling $350 million in what it terms "woke" spending for contracts and grants. Furthermore, the department has launched an ‘EndDEI’ portal designed for parents, students, and teachers to report instances of discrimination.
In a letter addressed to Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), McMahon expressed her full support for Trump's initiative to abolish the department. The Department of Education, which employs around 4,500 individuals, is currently the smallest cabinet-level agency in the U.S. government. It has also been offering incentives of up to $25,000 for staff members to resign or retire by an upcoming deadline, likely in anticipation of workforce reductions.
Secretary McMahon has articulated a vision for the future of American education that aligns with Trump's objectives. She asserts that education should be returned to the states, reinforcing the belief that parents are the primary decision-makers in their children's education. McMahon's approach emphasizes a focus on foundational subjects such as math, reading, science, and history, rather than on programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or gender ideology. Additionally, she advocates for post-secondary education to serve as a pathway to well-paying careers that meet workforce demands.
As this situation unfolds, the potential impact of Trump's executive order on the future of education in America remains a topic of considerable discussion and debate.
