In a stunning move that’s sparking debate, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that sets in motion the dismantling of the Education Department. The plan? To return control over education back to the states—a shift aimed at addressing what Trump describes as the department’s underperformance in areas like reading and math proficiency.
Speaking at the White House, Trump declared, "Beyond the 'core necessities,' my administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department." He continued, "We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible," marking a bold step toward reshaping education policy.
While key functions such as Pell Grants, Title I funding, and support for students with disabilities will remain intact by being redistributed to other agencies, critics warn that this move could undermine vital resources for students. Leaders like Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Representative Grace Meng and Education Task Force Chair Representative Mark Takano voiced strong opposition. They argued that this decision betrays students, parents, and educators by sacrificing essential support in favor of tax breaks for billionaires.
This executive order is set to trigger intense discussions about federal versus state roles in education, making it one of the most controversial policy shifts in recent times. Stay tuned for more updates as this debate unfolds. 😲📚
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Trump signs executive order to start dismantling Education Department
cgtn.com