The Trump administration has a finalized executive order for a restructuring plan at the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing conservative objective. The order, which is expected to be signed this month, contains a plan to diminish the function of the department while preparing for the eventual closing of the department.
According to officials briefed on the matter, the proposal calls for an examination of legal steps needed to transfer responsibilities to other federal agencies, though a total dismantling of the department would have to be approved by Congress.
A White House official confirmed that the order is in line with Trump’s campaign promise to decentralize federal oversight of education. At the same time, a DOGE team reportedly has started scrutinizing the operations of the agency.
This is highly contentious between lawmakers. Most Republicans favor the elimination of the department, while others claim the measure does not enjoy enough support from Congress. The measure stalled on the floor last year in the House as an attempt to abolish the department in 2023.
Detractors claim it is overly bureaucratic, especially on federal student aid and enforcement of civil rights, to abolish the Education Department. Lawyers contend that even unilateral moves by the administration could raise court challenges.
This order has been criticized against the backdrop where the confirmation for education secretary still awaits President Trump’s nominee, Linda McMahon. Some have raised concerns based on this being potentially complicated for its execution.
Yet the setbacks, at least in Mr. Trump’s mind, still leave room to reduce federal authority over education. The executive order he is poised to issue this week will pave the way for a wider discussion in Congress on the department’s future.
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