President Trump Considers Dissolving the Department of Education

President Trump Considers Dissolving the Department of Education

President Trump is considering signing an executive order to begin the process of dissolving the Department of Education, according to sources. The timing of such a move is unclear, but the President has expressed his desire to "bring the schools back to the states."

The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which cited a draft version of the executive order. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the order would be signed on Thursday, but the President told reporters that he is not having second thoughts about it.

"No, no, no, no," Mr. Trump said. "I want to bring the schools, I want to bring the schools back to the states."

The President also said that he wants to see student loans "brought into either Treasury or Small Business Administration or Commerce." However, completely eliminating the department would require congressional approval, which is unlikely given the current makeup of the Senate.

Senate Democrats held a news conference on Thursday to express their opposition to the planned executive order. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that "it's no secret that they're aiming to abolish the Department of Education."

Dismantling the Department of Education has long been a goal for Republicans, dating back to the Reagan administration. The department is responsible for distributing federal financial aid for education, collecting and disseminating data and research related to schools, and enforcing non-discrimination policies. Its funds account for less than 10% of the nation's public school funding, which is primarily driven by state and local taxes.

Randi Weingarten, the head of the nation's largest teachers' union, the AFT, issued a statement opposing the President's plan. She cited an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll showing that 63% of respondents are "strongly opposed" to dismantling the Department of Education.

to level the playing field and fill opportunity gaps to help every child in America succeed," Weingarten said. "Trying to abolish it — which, by the way, only Congress can do — sends a message that the president doesn't care about opportunity for all kids.