President Trump Signs Executive Order to Begin Dismantling Department of Education, Citing Need for Overhaul of U.S. Education System

In a recent development, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at initiating the dismantling of the Department of Education. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House, where the president was accompanied by children seated at school desks. This move marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to federal involvement in education.

President Trump emphasized the need for this action by highlighting what he perceives as shortcomings in the current education system. He cited statistics indicating that 70% of eighth graders are not proficient in reading or math, and 40% of fourth graders lack basic reading skills. According to Trump, despite high spending per pupil, the United States ranks low in terms of educational success compared to other countries.

The executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin the process of dismantling the department. President Trump expressed his hope that congressional Democrats would support the initiative, suggesting that it might eventually require legislative approval. He underscored the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving the proposed changes to the education system.

This decision has sparked a conversation about the role of the federal government in education. The Department of Education has traditionally been responsible for establishing policies on federal financial aid, collecting data on America’s schools, and enforcing federal educational laws regarding privacy and civil rights. The potential dismantling of the department raises questions about how these functions will be managed in the future.