seniorspectrumnewspaper – President Donald Trump is preparing to take the first steps toward dismantling the Department of Education as part of his broader effort to shrink the federal government. White House officials have drafted an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin the process, according to sources familiar with the plan.
Trump has long advocated for closing the department, arguing that federal oversight of education has failed students, teachers, and families. While an executive order can start the process, fully eliminating the department requires Congressional approval, a challenge that has historically stalled similar efforts.
The draft order instructs McMahon to take all necessary steps to close the department while operating within legal limits. However, it remains unclear when Trump will sign the order. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that it would not happen on Thursday.
Congressional Reactions and Potential Roadblocks
The proposal has sparked criticism from Democrats and skepticism from some Republicans. Representative Madeleine Dean, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, strongly opposed the plan, accusing Trump of wanting an uneducated electorate. She referenced Project 2025, a far-right policy framework that explicitly calls for shutting down the Education Department.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, also voiced concerns, noting that federal education programs help children with disabilities and low-income families. She suggested considering some restructuring, but Congress must approve completely eliminating the department.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, acknowledged that returning control to states and local governments could be beneficial, but said he needed to see more details on what “winding down” the department would actually involve.
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The Future of Federal Education Programs
On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly criticized the Education Department, linking it to federal overreach and culture war issues. He pledged to “drain the government education swamp” and stop taxpayer dollars from funding ideological indoctrination.
Even if Trump dismantles the department, officials could transfer some education programs and funding to other federal agencies. Before the department’s creation in 1979, funding for low-income student programs and special education was managed by different agencies.
The debate over the future of federal education policy continues. While Congress holding the ultimate decision on whether the department will be abolished or simply restructured.
McMahon Declares Closure of Education Department as Its “Final Mission”
Just hours after her confirmation, Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent a message to department employees titled “Our Department’s Final Mission.” She invited staff to take part in what she called a historic effort to reshape American education by dismantling the agency.
“This is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service for future generations of students,” McMahon stated. She emphasized that by the end of this transition. American education should be freer, stronger, and filled with more opportunities for students.
McMahon confirmed that in the coming months. The department will work with Congress and other federal agencies to determine the next steps in the transition.
Shift in Education Policy and Workforce Impact
McMahon described a long-overdue review of the department’s programs, noting that $1 trillion in federal funding has been spent since its establishment, yet student outcomes have not significantly improved. She warned employees that the restructuring would have a major impact on staff, budgets, and operations as the government works to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
McMahon argued that millions of students remain trapped in failing schools, burdened by student debt, or exposed to radical ideology in the classroom. She also pointed out that teachers are leaving the profession at high rates due to excessive administrative burdens.
Under her leadership, the department will prioritize three key principles: parents as primary decision-makers, a focus on core subjects like math, reading, science, and history, and ensuring postsecondary education leads to well-paying careers.
