President Donald Trump expressed his desire for Linda McMahon, his nominee for Secretary of Education, to work towards eliminating the Department of Education during his administration. Trump emphasized his campaign promise of reducing the federal government's involvement in education and allowing more control to be shifted to the states.
McMahon, who previously led the Small Business Administration, is yet to undergo a confirmation hearing for the education post. Trump's vision aligns with his advocacy for school choice policies, which aim to provide families with more options for utilizing taxpayer funds for private education.
Trump highlighted concerns about the performance and cost of the US education system, noting that despite high per-pupil spending, the country ranks poorly in global education rankings. He emphasized his goal of improving educational outcomes by empowering states to manage their own schools.
Sources have indicated that the Trump administration is in the process of drafting an executive order to initiate the dismantling of the Department of Education. The plan involves directing the Education Secretary to develop a strategy for reducing the department's influence through executive actions and urging Congress to pass legislation for its elimination.
When questioned about the authority to transfer school control to states, Trump mentioned the possibility of working with Congress on the matter. He also acknowledged the need to engage with the teachers' union, which has expressed opposition to the proposed changes.
Trump's push to overhaul the Department of Education reflects his administration's commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and reshaping the education landscape in the United States.
