Washington, March 20 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday (20) directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, a move that aligns with his long-standing campaign promise to dismantle the agency.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the plan, though its full execution would require Congressional approval, as the department was established by Congress in 1979.
The executive order will direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to transfer education authority back to the states while ensuring that federal education programs continue uninterrupted.
A Longtime Conservative Target
Trump has criticized the Department of Education as wasteful and influenced by liberal ideology. His administration has already taken steps to reduce its workforce by half and implement budget cuts, particularly in the Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences.
Concerns Over Educational Equity
Critics argue that eliminating the department would widen educational disparities and weaken civil rights enforcement in schools. The department oversees $1.6 trillion in federal student loans and provides billions in funding for low-income schools, college aid, and other critical education programs.
At her confirmation hearing, Secretary McMahon assured lawmakers that core initiatives like Title I funding for disadvantaged schools and Pell Grants for low-income college students would be preserved. However, the White House has yet to clarify how key functions of the department would be redistributed or potentially eliminated.
This latest move signals a major shift in federal education policy, igniting debates over state vs. federal control and the future of public education in America.
