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Are You In Favor Of Getting Rid Of The Department Of Education?
- Yes
- No
- I Don't Know
Trump signed the order Thursday, May 20, in the East Room of the White House, flanked by children. The goal, the president said, is to return school decisions to the states. But such a major overhaul will require congressional approval, meaning it needs some Democratic support.
"Everybody knows it’s right, and the Democrats know it’s right, and I hope they’re going to be voting for it because ultimately, it may come before them," Trump said, according to NBC News.
Early reactions suggest many Democrats and educators strongly oppose the measure.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said the move "threatens the strength and stability" of public schools.
“At a time when other nations are expanding their commitment to education to strengthen their workforce, we must ensure that our schools have the resources to prepare students for the future," he said. "Republicans in Congress must stand up for our students and protect these essential programs. The success of our children, educators, and economy depends on it.”
Trump posed for photos with Education Secretary Linda McMahon — who is from Connecticut —during the ceremony. She previously instructed department employees to "wind down" their work and initiated a reduction in force initiative that is eliminating half of the department's jobs.
Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias said Trump's move "devalues the work" done in public schools.
"We here in Connecticut will continue to fight for what's right," she said in a video. "We’ll look to our board of education for leadership, turn to our state lawmakers, and count on individuals like Attorney General William Tong to fight for us."
Trump said some of the Education Department's critical functions—including Title I funding for low-income schools, enforcement of the Disabilities Education Act, and management of federal student loans like Pell Grants—would be shifted to other departments, according to CNN.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz called Trump's executive order "deeply disturbing."
"This shortsighted, wrongheaded, and unconscionable decision will only cause chaos and confusion, she said. "In Connecticut, we will continue to stand in support of our students, teachers, and school districts. It is our top priority because it is about the future of our state and our country.”
While eliminating a government agency like the Department of Education requires congressional approval, Trump's executive order appears to be an attempt to bypass those measures.
However, Republicans such as Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said he would write legislation to make Trump's plan a reality.
Republicans hold a majority in both congressional chambers, but passing such a bill would likely require 60 Senate votes—meaning multiple Democrats must vote in favor of the measure.
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