Overview:
This move would make good on campaign promises to Trump's base that promised the elimination of the Department of Education.
According to a White House source, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing steps to defund the federal Education Department, with an official announcement expected later in February.
According to earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s advisers were evaluating executive actions to dismantle the Education Department, aligning with efforts by billionaire Elon Musk and his allies to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
According to the report, discussions have included an executive order that would eliminate functions of the Education Department not explicitly mandated by law, potentially transferring responsibilities to other agencies. The proposed order would also outline plans for legislation aimed at abolishing the department altogether. The Education Department has not responded officially, though an announcement on these developments may come as early as Tuesday.
Republicans have long criticized the Education Department under President Joe Biden, particularly regarding student loan forgiveness and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Trump has previously taken executive action to dismantle DEI programs across federal agencies. On Monday, several news outlets reported that dozens of Education Department employees were placed on administrative leave as business hours ended last Friday due to them attending a diversity training session during Trump’s first administration.
Musk has played a key role in Trump’s broader initiative to curb what the administration describes as unnecessary government expenditures. Last week, Musk’s team at the Department of Government Efficiency reportedly accessed sensitive Treasury payment systems, locking out some career federal employees, according to Reuters.
A senior White House official also indicated that Musk is assisting Trump in evaluating a potential restructuring of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
This is a developing story.
