Trump’s Bold Move: Proposed Order to Abolish the Department of Education Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign an executive order soon that could lead to the closure of the Department of Education. According to the Wall Street Journal, this move comes after discussions with various sources familiar with the situation and a review of a draft of the order.

The order instructs the newly confirmed Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, to take all necessary actions to shut down the Education Department as much as allowed by law. In her initial comments, McMahon indicated a desire to return education control to the states.

Trump has often criticized the Department of Education, claiming it has let down students, teachers, and families. He stated that despite the U.S. spending more per student than any other country, it ranks low in global education quality, citing a ranking of 40th globally.

In a recent letter to Democratic senators, McMahon expressed her full support for Trump’s initiative to abolish the department, emphasizing a vision where parent involvement is key in educational decisions. She believes education should prioritize essential subjects like math and science, rather than focusing on divisive programs.

The Department of Education employs around 4,500 staff members, making it the smallest cabinet-level department. It’s currently offering incentives for many employees to resign or retire, possibly in anticipation of widespread staff cuts.

Through these changes, McMahon aims to reshape educational priorities to better serve students and align with workforce needs, focusing on pathways that lead to well-paying jobs.

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