Trump preparing executive order telling education secretary to dissolve Department of Education: Sources - ABC News

Trump Considers Dramatic Overhaul: Executive Order Reportedly Aims to Dissolve Department of Education

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order with potentially seismic ramifications for the nation's educational landscape. Sources speaking to ABC News indicate that the prospective order would task the education secretary to develop a plan to dissolve the Department of Education. This radical proposal signals a renewed commitment to drastically reshaping the federal government’s role in schooling.

The Department of Education, established in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, has long been a subject of political debate. Its mission is to establish policies on federal financial aid for education, and distribute and monitor those funds. Republicans have often argued for reducing the department's power, claiming that local communities are best positioned to make decisions about their schools. This push for local control contrasts with the department's efforts to promote national standards and equity in education.

The ABC News report, citing unnamed sources, alleges that Trump is actively considering this unprecedented move, potentially setting the stage for a showdown over the future of federal education policy. Details of the draft executive order remain scant, but reports suggest it would require the current education secretary to outline a plan for dismantling the department. The Washington Post is also reporting a draft executive order is set for Thursday. CNN has also confirmed that Trump is preparing to sign an order to dismantle the Education Department.

Such a decision would trigger a significant restructuring of federal involvement in education, potentially shifting power and resources to state and local governments. "This move could fundamentally alter the way education is funded and regulated across the country," according to one policy analyst who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The immediate impact would likely involve re-evaluating existing federal education programs, including student loans, grants, and accountability measures like standardized testing requirements.

The implications extend beyond budgetary considerations. Advocates for a strong federal role in education argue that it ensures equal opportunity for all students, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background. Dissolving the Department of Education could lead to greater disparities in school funding and resources, potentially disadvantaging students in under-resourced communities. Conversely, supporters of decentralization believe it would foster innovation and allow schools to better respond to the specific needs of their students.

The potential dissolution of the Department of Education represents a significant challenge to the established order and would ignite intense political debate. Whether this executive order comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the possibility signals a renewed effort to redefine the federal government's role in shaping the future of education in America. The sources who spoke to ABC News remain confident that this is something Trump is actively pursuing.