Trump executive order seeks to dismantle U.S. Department of Education

President Trump has signed an executive order that seeks to facilitate his longstanding goal of eliminating the U.S. Department of Education.

The Hill reports that the order recognizes it would take an act of Congress to completely shutter the department, but the order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to do all she can to achieve a shutdown. 

“The department’s useful functions […] will be preserved, fully preserved,” Trump said, referring to Pell Grants, Title I funding and programs for students with disabilities. “They’re going to be preserved in full and redistributed to various other agencies and departments.” 

Democrats were quick to denounce the move.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said: “This latest executive action is despicable and unlawful behavior from a man who wants to be king and wants to harm everyone who calls this country home. It is an assault on students and educators that will undermine public education, threaten civil rights, and harm our most vulnerable students in Massachusetts and across America."

Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said,“I will fight your illegal behavior until the cows come home, and I’m pretty sure the hundreds of thousands of people who’ve contacted my office since you started this nonsense are on the same page.” 

Before the order was even signed, the McMahon took steps to weaken the department by firing half of its employees.

GOP lawmakers have proposed bills to wind down the federal agency, they have little chance of getting the 60 necessary votes in the Senate.

Moves against the department are certain to face legal challenges. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten told the Trump administration simply, “See you in court.”