Congressional allies of President Donald Trump have thrown their support behind efforts to roll back the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led by Elon Musk. Now, they are advocating for the administration to target another key agency.
Republican lawmakers are urging for a significant reduction in the Department of Education, with Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee expressing his trust in state legislatures over federal bodies in crafting curriculums for students. This sentiment was echoed by Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, who listed the Department of Education among other federal offices he believes should be audited or downsized.
There is growing momentum among conservatives to dismantle the Department of Education, with rumors circulating that President Trump may soon sign an executive order to abolish the agency. Suggestions have been made to redirect a portion of the department's funding back to states in the form of block grants.
Freshman Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas criticized the Department of Education for allocating taxpayer dollars to what he described as left-wing activism, particularly focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Many Republicans argue that the department has failed to deliver effective education policies and has become a platform for progressive causes.
Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina emphasized the need to scrutinize the department's spending and expressed support for eliminating or reining in its operations. A bill introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky to abolish the Department of Education has garnered significant backing from House GOP members.
Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana highlighted the potential for Congress to support Trump's executive order on the department, emphasizing the importance of decentralizing education decisions to the local level. Johnson pointed to declining educational standards in the U.S. compared to other countries as a driving factor behind the push to cut the Department of Education.
While opposition from teachers unions is expected, proponents of reducing the federal government's role in education administration believe that empowering states and local communities will lead to more effective and efficient education policies.
