President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, according to the Wall Street Journal. The order could be issued as soon as Thursday, marking a major step toward his long-held goal of dismantling the agency.
Trump has repeatedly called the department a "big con job" and proposed shutting it down during his first term, but Congress did not act. His new Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, confirmed Monday, supports the plan but acknowledged it would require congressional approval.
The department oversees funding for K-12 schools, special education, arts programs, and infrastructure improvements while managing $1.6 trillion in student loans. Critics argue that closing it could disrupt billions in federal aid, affecting low-income students and tuition assistance.
Republicans have long pushed to reduce its influence, particularly targeting student loan forgiveness and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Trump has previously sought to weaken government institutions without congressional approval, but shutting down a cabinet-level agency would be unprecedented.
McMahon assured lawmakers that federal school funding would continue, but the proposal has sparked fierce debate. Supporters argue that most public school funding comes from state and local governments, making the department unnecessary. Opponents warn that its closure could undermine public education standards and disproportionately harm disadvantaged students.
While Trump wants an immediate shutdown, he admitted congressional buy-in is essential. Whether his executive order can bypass legislative hurdles remains uncertain, but the move underscores his broader effort to reshape the U.S. education system.