Trump Signs Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing the U.S. Department of Education to reduce its size and shift some of its responsibilities to other agencies.

The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all legally permissible steps to downsize the department, though it does not completely abolish it. Congressional approval would be required to dismantle a federal agency entirely.

“The Department of Education will be much smaller than it is today,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. She noted that essential programs, including student loans and Pell Grants, would continue operating under the department.

The signing ceremony took place at the White House, attended by Republican governors, including Ron DeSantis of Florida, Greg Abbott of Texas, and Mike DeWine of Ohio. The department recently implemented workforce reductions, laying off a significant portion of its employees through retirements and buyouts.

Critics argue that reducing the department could impact federal funding for programs such as Title I, which supports low-income schools, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. However, McMahon stated that these statutory programs will continue under a streamlined structure.

Trump has long advocated for limiting federal involvement in education, arguing that states should have greater control. While the order is a step in that direction, full closure of the department would require congressional action, including overcoming a Senate filibuster with 60 votes.