Trump Plans to Order Shutdown of US Education Department, Redirecting Authority to States

Executive Order to Abolish Education Department

• ⚡ President Donald Trump intends to sign an executive order on Thursday to shut down the Department of Education.
• 🎯 This action fulfills a key campaign pledge, with Trump having previously described the department as a "big con job."

Redirecting Educational Authority

• 🏛️ The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to close the Department of Education and return educational authority to the states.
• 🤝 The goal is to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services and programs Americans rely on.

Restrictions on Department Funds

• 🚫 The executive order also mandates that remaining Department funds should not be used to advance DEI or gender ideology.

Legislative Hurdles Ahead

• ⚠️ Trump cannot unilaterally shutter the agency; Congressional legislation is required, which is expected to be difficult.
• 📊 While Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, eliminating a cabinet-level department would likely require 60 votes, including support from Democrats, who have shown no indication of backing the plan.

Department's Role and Funding

• 🏫 The Department of Education oversees approximately 100,000 public and 34,000 private schools.
• 💰 More than 85% of public school funding originates from state and local governments, with the federal department providing grants for needy schools and programs.