Trump Orders Education Department Dismantled, Facing Opposition and Criticism

Trump Orders Education Department Dismantled

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Education Department.

"It sounds strange, doesn't it? Department of Education. We're going to eliminate it," Trump said at the White House.

Congressional approval would be needed to fully abolish the department, but Trump expressed hope that Democrats would support the move.

The order faces major obstacles from Democrats in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to overcome filibusters.

The House Education Committee's top Democrat, Bobby Scott, called the order "reckless" and argued it would harm students.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the department would not be completely eliminated, with critical functions like civil rights enforcement and student loan oversight continuing.

The order also will not affect activities aimed at meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities or Title I funding.

Polling shows the move is broadly unpopular, with 60% of registered voters opposed.

At her Senate confirmation hearing last month, McMahon acknowledged the need to coordinate with Congress to close the department.

With Trump's executive order, however, the administration appears to be sidestepping lawmakers.

McMahon said the goal is to provide states with best practices and tools as the department is "wound down."

Labor and civil rights groups criticized the move, with the NAACP calling it "unconstitutional."

The order is likely to face legal challenges.