President Donald Trump is set to sign a long-awaited directive on Thursday to officially wind down the Education Department, following weeks of moves to steadily reduce the agency’s staff and spending.
Trump’s impending executive order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the department’s closure and return education authority to the States, as per a summary obtained by POLITICO. The forthcoming order also mandates McMahon to ensure the continuation of the department’s services, programs, and benefits.
Workforce Reductions and Event Details
The Trump administration has already initiated significant workforce cuts at the agency, including the removal of hundreds of attorneys, student aid workers, and civil rights office staff. The exact wording of the order, which Trump will sign at an event in the East Room, has not been disclosed yet.
Several Republican governors, such as Greg Abbott of Texas, Mike Braun of Indiana, Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Mike DeWine of Ohio, are expected to attend the signing event.
Program Restrictions and Focus Areas
The order also specifies that programs or activities receiving any remaining Education Department funds should not promote diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender ideology, according to the White House.
This directive marks a significant shift in education policy and governance, signaling a move towards greater state autonomy and reduced federal oversight in the education sector.
