President Donald Trump is set to sign an order on Thursday aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, a longstanding objective among conservative circles. The reported order aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to decentralize education, transferring the department’s responsibilities to state governments.
This development comes after Education Secretary Linda McMahon, formerly of World Wrestling Entertainment, initiated staffing reductions and substantial funding cuts within the department. These actions are part of what she described as the department’s “final mission.”
Current Role of the Federal Government in Education
Although the federal government historically plays a limited role, contributing about 13% of the funding for primary and secondary education, it holds a crucial position in supporting low-income schools and ensuring civil rights protections for students. Notably, federal financial aid programs for university students and funding for economically disadvantaged schools are expected to remain intact despite the department’s expected downsizing.
Challenges and Legal Scrutiny
However, the formal dissolution of the Department of Education requires congressional approval, a hurdle given the current political balance. Meanwhile, cuts under the guise of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, are facing legal scrutiny for potentially exceeding executive limits, as illustrated by a recent court decision blocking a similar move against the U.S. Agency for International Development. As deliberations continue, the direction of federal education policy and its enforcement remains uncertain.
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