Education Secretary Linda McMahon is moving forward with plans to close the Department of Education, working in tandem with Congress and state leaders to responsibly dismantle the existing bureaucracy. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing McMahon to take necessary actions to close the department and return educational control to the states. In a statement to the Daily Caller, McMahon assured that support for K-12 students, special needs children, and college borrowers will continue during this transition.
The closure of the Department doesn’t equate to cutting off funds; rather, it’s about removing unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. McMahon emphasized the importance of working with Congress and state leaders to ensure a smooth transition. She assured that the department would maintain its support for essential programs, focusing on a lawful and orderly process.
With the executive order, a significant step is being taken to empower parents and states in their children’s education. Teachers will benefit from fewer regulations, allowing them to focus on teaching core subjects. Taxpayers will be relieved from funding ineffective and outdated programs, paving the way for a more efficient educational system.
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, met with Senator Tommy Tuberville to discuss her plans. Trump’s administration nominees have been meeting with senators to outline their visions and gather support. The executive order aims to streamline the department without completely abolishing it, ensuring uninterrupted services.
Complete abolition of the Department of Education would still require Congressional approval. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the president would address the potential need for Congress to codify the executive order. McMahon highlighted the significance of this order, emphasizing the return of educational control to the states.
Education is fundamentally a state responsibility, McMahon stated, advocating for states to have the authority to decide what’s best for their students. By cutting through federal red tape, the goal is to empower states to implement effective educational strategies. This approach aligns with conservative values of decentralizing power from the federal government.
During a press briefing, Daily Caller Correspondent Reagan Reese inquired about the administration’s intentions regarding Congress codifying Trump’s executive order. Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields explained that the order aims to empower parents, states, and communities to enhance educational outcomes. Fields referenced recent educational data to support the necessity of this change.
New data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that a significant percentage of eighth graders failed to meet reading expectations in 2024. This decline in reading scores has been ongoing since 2019, highlighting the need for educational reform. The administration is using this data to push for a more localized approach to education.
Linda McMahon recently testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, discussing her plans for the department. Her testimony was supported by other notable figures in the educational sector. The focus remains on ensuring a seamless transition that prioritizes the needs of students and educators.
The White House released a fact sheet detailing the inefficiencies of the Department of Education since its inception in 1979. Over $3 trillion has been spent with little to show in terms of improved student achievement. Despite increased per-pupil spending, educational outcomes have remained stagnant.
This initiative seeks to address the longstanding issues within the Department of Education by returning control to states. By doing so, the administration believes that more effective solutions can be tailored to meet regional needs. The executive order is a bold move to reshape the educational landscape.
The plan to close the department is seen as a way to eliminate wasteful spending on unsuccessful programs. It is about creating a more accountable system where states have the power to make decisions. The administration’s vision is to foster an environment where educational success is driven by local communities.
Supporters argue that this approach will lead to more innovative and effective educational strategies. By decreasing federal intervention, states can focus on implementing what works best for their students. The executive order is a step toward achieving this goal.
Critics may question the feasibility of such a large-scale transition, but the administration remains committed to its vision. The focus is on empowering states and reducing federal overreach. The ultimate aim is to improve educational outcomes through localized control.
The discussion surrounding the Department of Education’s future continues to be a topic of interest. As the administration works to implement its vision, the impact on students, teachers, and taxpayers will be closely monitored. The goal remains to create a more efficient and effective education system for all.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.
