President Donald Trump, known for his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, is now setting his sights on the Department of Education (DOE).
Despite the fact that only Congress holds the power to dismantle the DOE, Trump has shown a willingness to bypass traditional legislative processes through executive orders since his inauguration on January 20.
According to The Post Millennial, "A White House official confirmed the White House is preparing for executive action later this month that will fulfill Trumps campaign pledge to defund the department," as reported by the Washington Post. This move aligns with Trump's broader agenda of reducing federal oversight and promoting local control over education.
Linda McMahon, Trump's nominee for Education Secretary, has yet to undergo Senate confirmation hearings. By the time she appears before the committee, her role may shift from leading the department to overseeing its potential downsizing. Her confirmation process is currently delayed as the Office of Government Ethics continues to review her documentation.
In an effort to streamline government operations, Elon Musk's newly established Department of Government Efficiency is scrutinizing the DOE to identify areas for budget cuts and staff reductions. While an executive order cannot officially dissolve the agency, it could significantly impede its operations.
The prospect of Congress completely shutting down the DOE appears "unlikely," as noted by the Post. The department was originally established in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, following congressional approval in 1979. However, its roots trace back to 1867 when President Andrew Johnson initiated the first iteration of the DOE, which was subsequently abolished by Congress after just one year. This historical context underscores the ongoing debate over the federal government's role in education, a debate that continues to resonate with conservative values of limited government and local autonomy.
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