President Donald Trump is reportedly close to signing an executive order aimed at dismantling the US Department of Education. This move is part of the administration’s goal to reduce the size of government, as recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency. The proposed order is expected to direct the Education Secretary to submit a proposal to deconstruct the department, with the ultimate goal of abolishing it through congressional legislation.
The plan involves a two-part strategy, with the first step being to wind down the department’s functions using existing administrative authority. The second step would require congressional approval to delegate the department’s powers to other agencies and eventually close the department. However, GOP lawmakers have admitted that they currently lack enough support for legislation to shut down the department.
Trump has long advocated for education reform and has suggested that education should be the responsibility of individual states. His education secretary nominee, Linda McMahon, has not yet had a Senate confirmation hearing, and the timing of the executive order could put her in a difficult position when answering questions about the president’s agenda.
