Donald Trump is moving forward with his plan to shut down the Department of Education, with a White House official confirming he will sign an executive order today. The move follows a major downsizing earlier this month, in which nearly 50% of the department’s staff were laid off. Trump’s administration has repeatedly claimed the agency is filled with “bureaucratic bloat” and needs to be dismantled.
According to a White House fact sheet, the executive order will direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin shutting down the department while ensuring that education services continue at the state level. Trump has long been vocal about his desire to eliminate federal oversight in education, stating in a 2023 campaign video, “We’re going to close it up… We’re going to send it all back to the states.”
The decision has already sparked backlash from education advocates. Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, criticized the administration for abandoning students and educators, arguing that the layoffs will harm public schools. The National Parents’ Union also condemned the move, calling it an attempt to deny millions of children a fair shot at education.
Despite the opposition, Trump appears determined to follow through with his vision of decentralizing education policy. With the order set to be signed today, the future of federal education programs remains uncertain as states prepare to take control.
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