Trump Set to Sign Executive Order Abolishing the Department of Education

I don't think he can abolish by executive order, as it is authorized by Congress.

A tactic he's using -- I think he did this with USAID -- is to defund/dismantle agencies to the "minimum level allowed by law." I expect that's what he'll do here -- he'll order government lawyers to look into the very minimum amount of funding and functionality of the DoEd required by law, and cut it to that level.

Congress will have to take it from there.

President Donald Trump will sign an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a major campaign promise. The move shifts education authority back to states and parents, sparking fierce debate from both supporters and critics.

Key Details:

Trump has long criticized the agency, calling it a hub for "radicals, zealots, and Marxists."

White House says the order will "empower parents" and refocus education on student outcomes.

Critics, including teachers' unions, argue that only Congress can legally abolish the department.

The executive order follows the Senate confirmation of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education, who pledged to oversee the agency's closure.

Congressional approval is required for full dissolution, but Trump aims to reduce its influence immediately.

...

"The federal government has failed American students," Trump said in a statement. "For too long, unelected bureaucrats in Washington have pushed radical agendas while test scores plummet. It's time to return power to parents and local schools."

The White House justified the decision by pointing to declining student performance, citing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, which reveal falling proficiency in math and reading. Additionally, the administration highlighted the strain placed on public schools by illegal immigration, arguing that resources have been diverted away from American students.

"Over the past four years, Democrats have allowed millions of illegal minors into the country, straining school resources," said Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary. "Coupled with CRT and DEI indoctrination, this is harming our most vulnerable students."

...

Despite Trump's executive order, Congress holds the ultimate authority to eliminate the agency. The Constitution's Article II requires legislative approval, and with only 53 Republican senators, the White House faces an uphill battle.

Trump is making Reagan look like a Bush.

Speaking of Trump ending things that never should have begun:

President Donald Trump held a "very good" call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, following a preliminary agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin one day earlier. Trump said the discussions focused on aligning Ukraine and Russia's "requests and needs" and that the ceasefire negotiations remain "on track."

Key Details:

Trump announced the call with Zelenskyy on Truth Social, stating it lasted about an hour and was largely based on the conversation he had with Putin on Tuesday. "Just completed a very good telephone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine," he wrote, adding that the talks centered on ensuring both sides' concerns were addressed.

Putin agreed to halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days, though the ceasefire has yet to extend to frontline combat or civilian areas. Special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested a full ceasefire could be reached in the coming weeks.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will return to Saudi Arabia on Sunday to continue ceasefire negotiations, with a potential Trump-Putin meeting also on the table. It remains unclear whether a Ukrainian delegation will attend.

posted by Ace at 03:35 PM

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