U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to shutting down the Department of Education, calling for its immediate closure on Wednesday. His latest remarks align with his long-standing campaign promise to reduce federal oversight in education and return power to states and local authorities.
Last week, Trump suggested using an executive order to dismantle the department but admitted that congressional approval and support from teachers' unions would be necessary to achieve this goal. His proposal reflects broader conservative concerns over federal intervention in education policies, which they argue undermine local control and parental rights.
The Department of Education, established in 1979, has long been a target for Republican leaders seeking to decentralize the education system. Trump’s plan, if executed, would mark a historic shift, transferring key responsibilities such as student loans and federal education funding to state governments.
Critics argue that closing the department could disrupt education funding and programs that support low-income students and special education initiatives. Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters believe the move would reduce bureaucracy and enhance efficiency by giving states more authority over their education systems.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump continues to rally his base with promises of sweeping reforms, making education policy a focal point of his campaign. Whether his administration could achieve this controversial goal remains uncertain, as it would require significant legislative backing and legal hurdles to overcome.