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Trump Says Department of Education Is A ‘Con Job,’ Wants It Shut Down Immediately
Source: YouTube
President Donald Trump reaffirmed his plan to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE), highlighting its high per-student spending and low global performance ranking. Speaking from the Oval Office, he stated, “I’d like it to be closed immediately,” and assigned nominee Linda McMahon to oversee the effort. Trump’s move has drawn praise from supporters who see it as a bold overhaul of education policy. However, critics warn that closing the DOE could destabilize education systems and create funding gaps.
Trump argues that the DOE’s failure to improve outcomes despite its budget is evidence of inefficiency. He believes states are better suited to manage education and address local needs. Detractors, however, caution that a sudden federal withdrawal could disrupt funding and civil rights protections.
The Department of Education’s Role and Functions
The DOE administers vital federal programs that support millions of students. The Federal Student Aid office manages a $1.7 trillion loan portfolio, aiding over 40 million borrowers through Pell Grants and FAFSA services. Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights handles over 22,000 discrimination complaints annually, ensuring students have equal access to education.
Additionally, the Institute of Education Sciences collects essential data to guide national education policies. Title I programs distribute billions to underfunded schools, supporting low-income and special-needs students. Experts warn that if the DOE closes, states would face sudden pressure to absorb these responsibilities, potentially resulting in funding gaps and weakened accountability measures.
The Fallout of Closing the Department of Education
Shutting down the DOE would cause significant disruptions. Federal aid programs like Pell Grants and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, relied upon by millions of students, could face delays or termination. The removal of federal civil rights oversight may leave students vulnerable to discrimination.
Some conservatives propose transferring federal student aid management to the Treasury Department. However, experts caution that this transition could cause administrative chaos, leading to missed payments and confusion for borrowers. A sudden handover could destabilize student loan servicing, causing hardship for both students and educational institutions.
Conservative Rationale and Concerns
Supporters of Trump’s plan argue that closing the DOE would reduce federal overreach and empower states to design policies that better fit local needs. Elon Musk, an outspoken supporter, believes eliminating bureaucracy would foster educational innovation and cut costs. Conservatives contend that decentralization will give states the flexibility to address unique challenges without federal interference.
However, opponents warn of severe consequences without a clear transition strategy. Federal enforcement of civil rights laws could vanish, potentially widening disparities in education access. Vulnerable communities may lose critical funding, and state-run systems could produce unequal outcomes without consistent federal standards.
Can Trump Overcome Congressional Barriers in Shutting Down the Education Department?
Eliminating a federal agency requires congressional approval, a formidable challenge that has defeated past efforts to close the DOE. Trump’s approach combines legislative proposals with administrative actions, such as budget cuts and staff reductions, to weaken the DOE’s influence. If confirmed, McMahon will play a crucial role in defending the administration’s plan before Congress.
Despite Trump’s aggressive strategy, bipartisan opposition remains strong. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about the impact on students and educational institutions. However, Trump’s allies are drafting legislation to transfer the DOE’s core responsibilities to other agencies, aiming to circumvent congressional resistance.
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3 Comments
How can you write what you say is a fair and balanced reporting of this issue, without citing the status of the USA education system before the forming of the DOE (number 1 in the world), and the status of the USA system now (number 24). This is the largest indicator that the DOE is not performing as it should.
They need to get rid of high paid administrators in the schools, allowing one principal, one vice principal, not multiple. Get rid of the standardized testing, common core math. Go back to the basics. Teach these kids basic life skills. Do away with the liberal arts colleges. Allowing peoples to attend college for what they are going for. Not taking unnecessary classes to prolong the cost and time they need.
I don’t think government big or small should be involved with education. It’s the domain of the parents. Schools should all be private unless the parents want to teach their own children as they should.