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.
Congressional hurdle
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.
Impact on education and legal battle
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.
Lawsuit against closure
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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