President Donald Trump is moving forward with plans to significantly reduce the U.S. Education Department's budget and operations, aiming to pressure employees to resign. However, the President's ambition to close the department entirely is met with challenges due to the majority of its funding and existence being mandated by Congress.
A forthcoming executive order from the White House acknowledges the limitations of the President's authority. The order is expected to instruct the Education Secretary to initiate the agency's winding down while urging Congress to pass legislation to abolish it.
Despite Trump's campaign promise to eliminate the department, the reality of Congressional mandates and essential programs, such as Title I funding for low-income schools and federal student loans, pose obstacles to his plans.
The President's efforts to reduce spending may be constrained to minor portions of the department's $79 billion annual budget, as per insider sources familiar with the strategy.
While some Republicans have expressed doubts about the popularity of closing the department, Trump remains resolute in his pursuit. Recent actions, including placing Education Department employees on paid leave and offering buyouts to encourage resignations, underscore his commitment to downsizing the agency.
Trump's proposal to dismantle the Education Department has raised concerns among schools and states reliant on federal funding, with potential disruptions to critical programs and services.
As details of the plan are expected to be clarified by Trump's education chief, the President's vision aligns with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint advocating for the redistribution of key programs to other agencies.
Democrats in Congress have swiftly criticized Trump's plan as an assault on educators, families, and students, vowing to oppose it. The confirmation hearing for Trump's nominee for education secretary, Linda McMahon, may face complications due to the proposed changes.
In conclusion, Trump's endeavor to overhaul the U.S. Education Department faces a complex path forward, balancing his campaign promises with legislative realities and potential repercussions on education funding and services.
