U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to shut down the agency and transfer its responsibilities to states and local communities.
The executive order states that essential functions such as Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants, and support for children with disabilities will remain. However, the fate of the department’s $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio remains uncertain, as the order suggests transferring its management elsewhere.
Trump argues that the department has failed to improve student performance and has instead promoted liberal ideology. Conservative groups have hailed the move as a victory for state control over education, while critics argue that eliminating the agency would deepen inequality in the education system.
