Education Department’s future is uncertain

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The future of the U.S. Department of Education is now uncertain after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to gut the agency. This comes after the Trump administration fired about half of the department’s staff earlier this month.

The White House stresses the executive order will put education back in the hands of states, but education advocates are already promising to fight the president’s actions in court.

With the stroke of a pen, President Trump dismantled the federal Department of Education and promised its closure will have no impact on public services.

“Probably, the cost will be half, and the education will be maybe many, many times better,” said Trump.

The Education Department sends billions to public schools every year, which make up about 14% of K-12 school budgets.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the executive order will remove red tape and empower governors, educators and parents, “to tailor the education for their community, for their students.” 

Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee says that’s exactly what states want.

“We know what our children need. We know how to uniquely educate them,” said Lee.

Education groups, including the National Education Association, argue low-income students and students with disabilities will suffer.

“This isn’t about the test scores. This is about providing tax breaks for the billionaires,” said NEA vice president Princess Moss.

Congress created the Education Department in 1979 to combat segregation and would likely have to act to completely shut down the agency.

The House considered that in 2023, but 60 Republicans joined Democrats, like Indiana Congressman Andre Carson, in opposing it.

“I’m urging my Republican friends to be bolder in their critiques toward President Trump.”

Students plan on protesting the president’s actions by taking their desks and homework to the Education Department’s doorstep in Washington, D.C.