Trump Approves Directive to Start "Dismantling" US Education Department

 

Trump Approves Directive to Start "Dismantling" US Education Department

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump executed a directive aimed at "dismantling" the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-held aspiration of the American conservative movement that advocates for states to have control over schools independently from federal oversight.

In a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House, where schoolchildren were seated at desks, Trump beamed as he presented the signed directive.

He stated that this directive would "initiate the process of dismantling the federal Department of Education permanently."

"We're going to eliminate it and do so as quickly as we can. It serves no purpose for us," Trump commented. "We intend to restore education to the states where it rightfully belongs."

Established in 1979, the Education Department cannot be completely eliminated without Congressional consent; however, Trump's directive may effectively reduce its funding and personnel.

This action fulfills one of Trump's campaign pledges and represents one of the most radical modifications in governmental structure that he is implementing alongside tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. 

The directive instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "take all necessary actions to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and transfer education control back to the States."

Democratic leaders and educators have criticized this initiative.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized it as a "tyrannical seizure of power" and "one of the most harmful and destructive actions Donald Trump has ever taken."

Republican officials, such as Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas's Governor Greg Abbott, were present during the signing event.

Trump has framed this initiative as essential for saving funds and enhancing educational quality in the US, arguing that the country is falling behind Europe and China in education.

Education has long been a contentious issue in America's cultural conflicts, with Republicans consistently aiming to shift authority away from the federal government.