Robert Besser
10 Mar 2025, 15:04 GMT+10
WASHINGTON, D.C.: According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump is planning to sign an order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education.
The White House and the department have not commented.
Trump has long wanted to close the department, calling it a "scam." He tried to do so in his first term, but Congress did not approve it. Many Republicans also support cutting the agency's budget. Trump's education secretary, Linda McMahon, recently confirmed by the Senate, has backed the plan.
Supporters of the department argue it is essential for maintaining education standards. Closing it could disrupt billions in funding for K-12 schools and college tuition assistance. Trump has said he wants the department shut down immediately but admitted he needs Congress and teachers' unions to agree.
McMahon assured lawmakers that school funding for low-income districts and students would continue. The department oversees grants for public and private schools, special education, arts programs, and student loans. It also manages US$1.6 trillion in student debt.
During Biden's presidency, Republicans criticized the department for student loan forgiveness and diversity programs. Trump and his adviser Elon Musk have tried to cut government agencies before, but shutting down the Education Department would be his most significant attempt yet.
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