A former president’s push to dismantle the US Department of Education gained unexpected traction in his second term, with early moves targeting its funding and oversight. Officials proposed eliminating nearly half of its budget, including programs for students with disabilities and low-income families, while also stripping away its enforcement authority. The plan sparked fierce debate over federal education policy, with critics warning of weakened protections for vulnerable learners. Supporters argued it would return control to states and local communities, raising questions about the long-term impact on public education.
In the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, he made a blunt promise about the US Department of Education: “We’re going to shut it down as quickly as possible.” In a matter of months, 40 ...