Proposed Executive Order Targets Education Department
A newly proposed executive order is set to dismantle the Abolish Department of Education, according to sources familiar with the matter. The draft, reportedly under review, outlines a directive instructing the newly appointed Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to take necessary steps to facilitate the department’s closure within the bounds of existing law.
The draft argues that federally controlled education programs and funding have not yielded the desired results, criticizing what it describes as an ineffective bureaucratic system. It further states that such programs have failed students, teachers, and families across the nation. Since assuming office, McMahon has reiterated the importance of shifting educational control back to state authorities, aligning with the administration’s longstanding stance on reducing federal oversight in education.
Push for State-Controlled Education
The administration has previously expressed strong criticism of the Abolish Department of Education, with claims that it has failed to enhance the quality of learning despite significant financial investment. Officials have cited reports ranking the United States at a low position in global education rankings despite being among the highest in per-student spending. The president has frequently emphasized that the current system is inefficient, calling for a shift in decision-making power from federal to state governments.
McMahon, in a letter addressed to Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), affirmed her support for the plan to eliminate the department. She reiterated the administration’s belief that education policies should be managed at the state level, arguing that such a move would be more effective in addressing the unique needs of students nationwide.
Implications for the Department and Workforce Reductions
With approximately 4,500 employees, the Abolish Department of Education is among the smallest cabinet-level agencies. Reports indicate that incentives of up to $25,000 have been offered to employees willing to resign or retire ahead of anticipated workforce reductions. The proposed restructuring has raised concerns among educators and policy experts about potential disruptions in federally funded education programs and initiatives.
According to McMahon, the department’s new direction will be based on three core principles: parental control over children’s education; a focus on foundational academic subjects such as math, reading, science, and history; and an emphasis on aligning post-secondary education with workforce demands. The draft order also signals a shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, instead prioritizing what the administration describes as “meaningful learning.”
While the final details of the order remain undisclosed, the proposal represents a significant step toward restructuring federal education policy. The administration’s efforts to reduce federal influence over education have sparked debates on the future of education governance in the country.
