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Trump Shakes Up U.S. Education: Signs Order To Shut Down Department Of Education
Photo credit: Donald Trump
In a move that’s making waves across the political and education landscape, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order this Friday aimed at dismantling the Department of Education—a long-standing promise to conservative supporters.
Why Close the Department of Education?
Trump’s executive order argues that federal oversight of education has been a failure, citing declining test scores and bureaucratic inefficiencies. According to the order, the department has spent billions of taxpayer dollars without significantly improving student performance.
The statement highlights that the federal government spent around $200 billion on schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of an annual $60 billion budget. Despite this, national test scores remain at historic lows. The order points out that 70% of eighth graders are below proficiency in reading, while 72% struggle with math.
What Happens Next?
With the signing of this order, the responsibility for education would shift back to individual states and local governments. The Department of Education, which was established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, would be phased out, and its duties reassigned.
A key focus of the order is also higher education—specifically, the $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt. Trump argues that the Department of Education isn’t equipped to manage such a massive financial system and suggests transferring loan responsibilities to a more specialized entity.
The Political Divide
Unsurprisingly, reactions to this decision have been deeply polarized. Supporters argue that local control over education will allow parents and teachers to make better decisions for students. Critics, however, warn that shutting down the Department of Education could weaken national education standards and widen inequalities between states.
As this order moves forward, expect major legal and political battles over its implementation. While Trump’s base sees this as a victory for conservative values, educators and policymakers are bracing for a seismic shift in how American schools operate.
Why Close the Department of Education?
Trump’s executive order argues that federal oversight of education has been a failure, citing declining test scores and bureaucratic inefficiencies. According to the order, the department has spent billions of taxpayer dollars without significantly improving student performance.
The statement highlights that the federal government spent around $200 billion on schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of an annual $60 billion budget. Despite this, national test scores remain at historic lows. The order points out that 70% of eighth graders are below proficiency in reading, while 72% struggle with math.
What Happens Next?
With the signing of this order, the responsibility for education would shift back to individual states and local governments. The Department of Education, which was established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, would be phased out, and its duties reassigned.
A key focus of the order is also higher education—specifically, the $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt. Trump argues that the Department of Education isn’t equipped to manage such a massive financial system and suggests transferring loan responsibilities to a more specialized entity.
The Political Divide
Unsurprisingly, reactions to this decision have been deeply polarized. Supporters argue that local control over education will allow parents and teachers to make better decisions for students. Critics, however, warn that shutting down the Department of Education could weaken national education standards and widen inequalities between states.
As this order moves forward, expect major legal and political battles over its implementation. While Trump’s base sees this as a victory for conservative values, educators and policymakers are bracing for a seismic shift in how American schools operate.
Mar 21, 2025
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