In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump made it clear that he remains dedicated to the elimination of the Education Department.
This comes amid indications that an executive order aimed at this goal might soon be released from the White House.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump revealed that he has suggested to Linda McMahon, his pick for Secretary of Education, to work towards making her role unnecessary.
Trump’s Commitment to Dismantling the Department
“I’m hopeful that Linda will excel in her position,” he noted, “while also rendering the role redundant.” This statement marks the first public acknowledgment of his campaign promise to dismantle the Education Department since his inauguration last month.
Reports from various media outlets confirm that the administration is preparing an executive order.
This order would direct department officials to scale back certain operations and lay the groundwork for the agency’s dissolution, although an exact timeline for its release remains unclear.
Challenges Ahead
When asked about the feasibility of abolishing the department, Trump expressed that he is keen to pursue this initiative, hinting that there may be supporters for his vision.
Yet, many analysts warn that such a significant change would likely require congressional approval to move forward.
In his remarks, Trump identified teachers’ unions as the main obstacle standing in the way of his plans, claiming they are the sole entity opposing the dissolution.
However, recent public sentiment seems to diverge from this view.
A Wall Street Journal poll revealed that 61 percent of registered voters oppose abolishing the Education Department.
Educational advocacy groups, experts in higher education, and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns, suggesting that eliminating the department could create substantial chaos and restrict access to college for low-income students and those with disabilities.
Concerns from Lawmakers
Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, stressed the importance of investing in education as fundamental for future generations.
He warned that dismantling the Education Department would ultimately limit opportunities for children, undermining the ability of parents and communities to thrive.
In a critical statement, he accused Trump’s approach of prioritizing the interests of wealthy donors over equitable access to public education, characterizing it as both shortsighted and selfish.
Source: Insidehighered