Fri Mar 21 01:10:14 UTC 2025: ## Trump Signs Executive Order to Eliminate Department of Education

**Washington D.C.** – In a dramatic move fulfilling a long-standing Republican goal, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday effectively dismantling the Department of Education. Surrounded by schoolchildren at a White House ceremony, Trump declared the department “doing us no good” and vowed to return control of education to individual states.

While the order requires Congressional approval for the department’s complete closure, it directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the process of defunding and downsizing the agency. This action, supported by prominent Republicans including Governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott, is part of a broader Trump administration effort, aided by Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency, to drastically restructure the federal government.

The move has been met with sharp criticism from Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer denounced it as a “tyrannical power grab” and a devastating step. Educators and advocates also voiced concerns, highlighting the potential loss of federal funding for low-income schools and students with special needs, as well as the erosion of crucial civil rights protections.

The White House acknowledged that a smaller entity might remain to handle essential functions like student loan programs and certain grants. However, the administration asserts that the action will save money and improve educational standards, claiming current levels lag behind those in Europe and China. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, celebrated the decision.

Despite the limited historical role of federal funding in education (approximately 13% of primary and secondary school funding), critics argue the federal government plays a vital role in ensuring equitable access to education and protecting student rights. A previous attempt to dismantle the US Agency for International Development was recently blocked by a federal judge. The legality and long-term consequences of President Trump’s executive order remain to be seen.

Read More