Trump pushes to close Education Department

President Donald Trump plans to issue an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to work toward closing the department.

However, only Congress can shut it down, requiring 60 Senate votes, which seems unlikely with Republicans holding 53 seats.

The draft order instructs McMahon to take steps to shift responsibilities to other agencies, though legal barriers exist. The department will likely see deep cuts to staff, programs and grants. 

The agency handles trillions, including the $18.4 billion Title I program for high-poverty schools, the $15.5 billion special education fund and the $1.6 trillion federal student loan system.

Trump argues education should be controlled locally but also pushes for federal oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, threatening schools with funding cuts. 

Critics, including teachers’ unions, warn that closing the department would harm low-income students and those with disabilities.