The decision by President Trump to sign an executive order aimed at closing the U.S. Department of Education has sparked controversy, with many questioning the rationale behind such a move. This action comes after nearly 600 employees have chosen to leave their positions in recent weeks due to resignations and retirements. Additionally, last week saw 1,300 workers being informed that they would lose their jobs as part of a reduction-in-force. The remaining staff at the department now stands at approximately half its original size.
The executive order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps in facilitating the closure and returning education authority back to individual states, which has been expected since early February when the White House revealed their intentions. Trump plans to sign this order alongside Republican governors from Texas, Indiana, Florida, and Ohio at a ceremony.
However, it is important to note that such an action would require congressional approval as the department’s responsibilities were created by Congress. This means that overcoming a Democratic filibuster in the U.S Senate would necessitate 60 votes – a challenging feat given current political dynamics. The text of the executive order was not available at the time of reporting, but previous drafts have acknowledged this legal limitation and instructed McMahon to act “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.”
This decision raises questions about the future of education in America if such a closure were to occur. It also highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding educational policies and funding at both federal and state levels.
[Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/03/19/nx-s1-5333861/trump-executive-action-education-department) #trump #sign [Visit GhostAI](https://ghostai.pro/)
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