Trump moves to dismantle Department of Education, causing radical shift in US education policy
Linda McMahon (Photo: Getty Images)
President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dissolving the US Department of Education, ABC News reports.
The move is part of his broader effort to shift control of education from the federal government to individual states, but it faces significant hurdles, as congressional approval is required.
The draft order argues that federal oversight has failed students and calls for reallocating education funds while eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federally supported programs.
“The experiment of controlling American education through federal programs has failed our children, teachers, and families,” the document states.
Critics warn that closing the department could disrupt financial aid and key protections for students, particularly those from low-income families and with disabilities.
“This would severely impact students who rely on federal support,” said Augustus Mays of The Education Trust.
McMahon, whom Trump selected as Education Secretary despite controversy, has embraced his vision of returning education policy to the states. In a department-wide email, she called for a “historic overhaul” to cut bureaucracy and empower parents. Meanwhile, reports suggest that dozens of agency employees have already been placed on leave or laid off.
