U.S. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday aiming to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a key campaign promise, according to a White House summary seen by Reuters.
he move faces immediate legal opposition, with Democratic state attorneys general filing a lawsuit to block the closure and halt layoffs of nearly half the department’s workforce. Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk have previously attempted to cut government programs without congressional approval, but this marks Trump’s first bid to eliminate a cabinet-level agency.
Trump cannot close the department without congressional approval. While Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, abolishing a cabinet agency requires 60 votes, making Democratic support necessary—something they have not indicated they will provide.
The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to close the department and return education control to the states while ensuring services continue. It also stipulates that any remaining education funds must not support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or gender ideology.
Defenders of the department warn that shutting it down could disrupt funding for K-12 schools and student tuition assistance. The department oversees 100,000 public and 34,000 private schools, handling federal grants for low-income districts, special needs programs, and student loans.
McMahon, recently confirmed by the Senate, supports Trump’s plan but assured that federal school funding approved by Congress will continue. Student loans and disability services are legally protected and will remain operational.
Attorneys general from 20 states and Washington, D.C., have sued in federal court, arguing that mass layoffs—over 1,300 jobs—would cripple the department’s ability to fulfill its legal duties. The lawsuit contends that McMahon lacks authority to eliminate or transfer statutory functions without congressional approval.
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The Ashgabat forum in Turkmenistan brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, raising questions about whether Russia remains connected to regional partners despite Western sanctions.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
A former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar, now a wildlife park in Colombia, has marked Christmas by setting animals festive feeding challenges designed to boost their mental and physical health.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to work with the international community to help improve relations between the two countries.
The Ashgabat forum in Turkmenistan brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, raising questions about whether Russia remains connected to regional partners despite Western sanctions.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun a multi-nation diplomatic tour of the Middle East, showing Beijing’s deepening engagement in a region undergoing conflicts, shifting alliances and major geopolitical realignments.
Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.
A former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar, now a wildlife park in Colombia, has marked Christmas by setting animals festive feeding challenges designed to boost their mental and physical health.
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