Trump Initiates Executive Action to Dismantle Education Department
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Synopsis
On March 21, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Education Department, stating a shift of educational power back to the states while preserving essential functions like Pell Grants. Congressional leaders criticized the move, calling it a betrayal to students and a potential unlawful decision requiring legislative approval.
Key Takeaways
- Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Education Department.
- He claims it will return educational control to the states.
- Essential functions like Pell Grants will be preserved.
- Congressional leaders oppose the decision, calling it a betrayal.
- The dismantling requires legislative approval.
Washington, March 21 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order to officially commence the dismantling of the Education Department, asserting that his administration is restoring educational control to the states.
In his address at the White House on Thursday, Trump stated, "Beyond the core necessities, my administration will pursue all lawful avenues to close the department."
"We plan to shut it down swiftly," he emphasized.
Trump criticized the Education Department as "doing us no good," referencing the low proficiency rates in reading and math among students in US elementary, middle, and high schools, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
The president clarified that essential functions like Pell Grants, Title I, and funding for children with disabilities would be fully maintained and redistributed to various other agencies.
Pell Grants provide federal financial aid for low-income undergraduate students, while Title I allocates federal funds to schools serving a significant number of low-income students, aiming to enhance educational opportunities.
In response, Congressional leaders such as Rep. Grace Meng and Rep. Mark Takano condemned the move, stating, "This is a betrayal to students, parents, and educators, denying the next generation the necessary resources to thrive in favor of tax breaks for billionaires."
They further argued, "This decision is unlawful, and Congress must not relinquish its authority in light of this order."
Typically, establishing or dismantling federal agencies requires Congressional approval through legislation. Therefore, if Trump intends to close the Education Department, it must navigate the legislative process in Congress. The method by which he will execute this executive order remains uncertain.
Trump has consistently criticized the Education Department, claiming that despite substantial federal funding, the quality of education has not improved, citing deficiencies in American students' skills.
Moreover, he has accused the department of being populated by individuals with leftist ideologies, labeling it a hub for "radicals, zealots, and Marxists," asserting that they have increased their influence through excessive regulation. He advocates for the transfer of educational authority back to the states to minimize federal intervention.
Previously, the Education Department had announced significant layoffs, with reports indicating a reduction from 4,000 employees to nearly half. Trump remarked on Thursday that the "reduction in force" was effective, stating, "We've cut the number of bureaucrats by half, 50 percent."
