On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This move represents a significant step in his administration’s efforts to reshape federal agencies and reduce government intervention in various sectors.
The Department of Education plays a crucial role in managing the nation’s $1.6 trillion federal student loan system, distributing financial aid to low-income students, and ensuring civil rights protections throughout the country. Its responsibilities have far-reaching consequences for students and educational institutions alike.
While the power to fully abolish the Department rests with Congress, the Trump administration has the authority to severely underfund and undermine its operations. This can effectively incapacitate the department without formal legislation to shut it down entirely.
Earlier this month, the department made a major cut to its workforce, laying off nearly half of its staff. The agency now operates with only 2,183 employees, a dramatic decrease from the 4,133 staffers it had when Trump first took office in January.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, spoke to reporters on Thursday, explaining that despite the agency’s downsizing, essential functions such as federal student loan management would still be carried out, albeit by a significantly reduced workforce.
Consumer protection advocates have expressed deep concerns about the long-term impact of the executive order. They argue that the decision could have devastating effects on the nation’s education system and the rights of students.
“Today’s decision does not serve the interests of students or families,” said Mitria Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, in a statement. “It weakens public education, abandons civil rights enforcement and prioritizes corporate interests over the fundamental right to a quality education,” Spotser said.
The U.S. Department of Education was established by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Over the years, it has faced significant opposition, with former President Ronald Reagan calling for its elimination and Trump, during his first term, proposing a merger of the department with the Labor Department.
{Matzav.com}The post Trump Signs Executive Order To Dismantle The Education Department first appeared on Matzav.com.