During his campaign, Donald Trump spoke about closing several departments or reducing their staff. Now in the White House, he's acting on that promise, and the Education Department may face cuts. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Trump recently shared plans for this move. The U.S. is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities. How will Trump's decision impact them?
Under Trump's administration, spending on federal department staff is being reduced. Elon Musk is overseeing some of these changes. Many departments have seen staff reductions or furloughs, while others face closures. Education is among those potentially affected, as this department historically managed funding for schools and colleges. It also categorized students for appropriate resources. Now, this funding could be halted.
Notably, government funding for U.S. schools and colleges was about 14%. Many universities relied heavily on this funding, especially to subsidize tuition for talented students with financial difficulties. With the department's closure, this could drastically affect education.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon acknowledged in a Fox News interview on Friday that Trump might soon shut down her department. Her comments have sparked concerns among students, parents, and teachers regarding the potential impact of the President's decision.
Source: aajtak
The Education Department doesn't dictate what children learn; it manages educational funding instead. Its role includes ensuring resources reach underprivileged schools and students. It also guides colleges to align graduates with job skills.
Why Does Trump Want to Shut it Down?
Trump, along with other Republicans, has pushed this agenda, claiming in January that schools are radicalizing students and detaching parents from their children's development, preventing them from noticing changes.
Schools and colleges have been hotbeds of controversy over the years, with issues like LGBTQ+ support causing divides. Conservatives have attempted to ban related literature, facing opposition from Democrats.
What if the Department Closes?
Despite Trump's push to close it, the process is complex. The department was created in the late '70s through congressional legislation, requiring another law, with congressional approval, to dismantle it. Executive orders offer limited scope—they can tweak department operations but not eliminate them outright.
Source: aajtak
Trump could weaken the department by budgeting cuts or policy adjustments. However, shuttering it legally necessitates support from both the Senate and House of Representatives—a challenging feat amid Democratic opposition.
Will Operations Halt?
Even if Trump manages to close it, essential operations will persist. Students will continue receiving financial aid. The Higher Education Act of 1965 ensures loans for needy students and federal funding for low-budget schools and colleges. These tasks could shift to private agencies or state management, accompanied by allocated funds. Curriculum oversight, historically a state responsibility, could see slight federal influence, but states retain primary control.
