Trump Orders Education Department Dismantling, 60% Oppose

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, directing Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to initiate the process of dismantling the Department of Education. This move, however, does not have the legal authority to completely shut down a federal agency established by Congress. The order is part of Trump's campaign pledge to transfer educational authority back to the states, a goal that Republicans have been advocating for over many years. The idea of closing the department is widely unpopular, with nearly 60% of voters opposing the closure.

The executive order follows the administration's decision to lay off nearly half of the department's employees just a week prior, raising concerns among educators, student loan borrowers, and advocates about potential disruptions to education programs and services. The department's primary functions include managing funding for public K-12 schools, administering federal financial aid, and overseeing the federal student loan portfolio. Critics argue that transferring these responsibilities to other agencies could have significant negative impacts.

For example, the Treasury Department, which focuses on federal revenue and tax collections, might take over student loans. This shift could compromise the standards for educational excellence. Additionally, over 180,000 teaching positions at Title I schools, which primarily serve low-income students, could be eliminated. The department also administers roughly $15 billion in funding for children with disabilities, who may lose necessary services and support if the department closes.

Despite the administration's actions, Trump assured that funding for these programs, including Pell Grants for college students, will be preserved but redistributed to other agencies. The future of federal student loans remains uncertain, with potential responsibility falling to the Treasury Department, Commerce Department, or Small Business Administration. Many borrowers are already in limbo due to legal challenges against Joe Biden's Saving on a Valuable Education income-driven repayment plan.

Several organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers and Student Defense, have vowed to challenge the administration's actions in court. These lawsuits will join a growing number of legal challenges against the administration's education-related decisions. Attorneys general from 21 states have already filed a suit over the layoffs at the department, arguing that they are causing immense damage to educational systems. Additionally, the American Federation of Teachers has sued the administration for preventing access to income-driven repayment plans for federal student loan borrowers.

The dismantling of the Education Department is a significant move by the Trump administration, but it faces substantial legal and political hurdles. The department's closure would require congressional support, which is not expected to materialize. The administration's actions have sparked widespread concern and opposition, with advocates and educators preparing to fight back in court. The immediate impacts for students and teachers are unclear, but the potential disruption to education programs and services is a major cause for concern.