By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Time could be running out for the Department of Education.
The agency that oversees billions of dollars in education programs and manages more than $1 trillion in student loans, could soon be targeted by the Trump administration.
“We’re ranked at the bottom of the list in education,” said President Donald Trump on Thursday.
President Trump has long floated the idea of dismantling the Department of Education, an agency with a $268 billion budget in FY 2024.
On Thursday, Trump was reportedly set to sign an executive order directing his new Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to facilitate a closure of the department by taking all necessary steps “permitted by law.”
Although the order never came, Trump confirmed the department is still in his crosshairs.
“No, no, no, I want to bring the schools back to the states,” said Trump, when responding to reporters asking if he was having second thoughts about the order.
An executive order can only go so far in shutting down a federal agency without Congressional approval. Some Republicans say returning education decisions to the states, is an “A+” idea.
“The most important thing in anybody’s life is an education,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA).
Congressman Kelly believes a one-size-fits-all education approach to education from Washington is failing.
“I like the idea of having people who live there making a determination of what should the curriculum look like, what should textbooks look like, who wrote those textbooks,” said Kelly.
Democrats, outraged at the idea, spoke out this week.
“Linda McMahon wants to detonate the Department of Education,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY). “The blast radius of this order will harm nearly every child, every teacher, every family, and every community.”
Established in 1979, the department oversees billions of dollars in programs, including those for low-income students and students with disabilities. Critical programs, Democrats warn, are at risk.
“This would be, if it happens, one of the most destructive and devastating steps that Donald Trump has ever taken. Who’s going to be the victim? American kids. America’s schoolchildren,” said Schumer.
“You’re going after the money that goes from the federal government to some of our neediest communities. It means some of the essential afterschool programs, just a ton of programs that people don’t even understand come from the Department of Education are at risk,” said Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D- MI). “I just I think it’s a political talking point and not actually based on what is best for our students.”
The agency also manages $1.5 trillion in student loans, including repayment programs.
The President was asked what agency or department would handle student loans and federal education grants. Trump said it would be handled by either the Treasury or Commerce Departments or the Small Business Administration.
