Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has suggested that if Republicans gain control of both Congress and the White House in November, they could potentially dismantle the Department of Education (DOE). Massie's comments come in the wake of former President Trump's remarks indicating a similar intention during an interview with Elon Musk.
Massie introduced a bill last year aimed at abolishing the DOE, which has garnered support from over 30 House GOP co-sponsors, including prominent Trump allies like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Byron Donalds.
The DOE, established in 1979 under former President Carter, has faced conservative opposition since its inception. President Reagan had also expressed a desire to dissolve the department but was unsuccessful in doing so.
Massie argues that the funds allocated to managing the DOE and its extensive workforce could be better utilized by school systems directly, rather than being spent on bureaucratic processes.
While more than 160 Republicans supported an amendment by Massie to dismantle the DOE in March 2023, the effort ultimately failed. The push to eliminate the department has been a contentious political issue, with Democrats criticizing it as part of a far-right agenda.
Despite his past disagreements with Trump, Massie was encouraged by Trump's recent remarks on the matter. He emphasized that the DOE's functions, such as student lunches and the Head Start program, could be overseen by other government departments.
Trump's campaign reiterated his commitment to reducing the DOE's influence and returning educational decision-making to the state level. The DOE declined to comment, referring inquiries to Vice President Harris' campaign.
In conclusion, the potential dismantling of the DOE remains a topic of debate within the Republican Party, with Massie and Trump aligning on the need for significant changes in the education sector.
