Trump Nears Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education

President Donald Trump is reportedly close to signing an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. This move aligns with the objectives of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to reduce federal government size.

The proposed order is expected to direct the education secretary to develop a plan to deconstruct the department and call on Congress to pass legislation to abolish it.

The draft order acknowledges that only Congress has the authority to eliminate the department. Therefore, it instructs the agency to begin diminishing its functions using existing administrative powers while identifying the legal steps necessary to delegate its responsibilities to other agencies. This two-part strategy involves winding down the department’s operations and collaborating with Congress to achieve its complete closure.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body led by Elon Musk, has been instrumental in advocating for the reduction of federal government size. DOGE representatives have reportedly been working at the Department of Education headquarters, seeking access to agency records as part of this initiative.

President Trump has long advocated for education reform, suggesting that educational responsibilities should be managed by individual states rather than the federal government. The Department of Education became a Cabinet-level agency in 1980, and its potential dismantling would represent a significant shift in federal education policy.

Linda McMahon, nominated by President Trump for the position of education secretary, has not yet undergone a Senate confirmation hearing. The anticipated executive order could place her in a challenging position regarding the administration’s agenda for the department. Observers suggest that the administration may wait until McMahon’s confirmation before proceeding with the order to ensure she has adequate time to meet the outlined deadlines.

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