A former president’s push to dismantle the US Department of Education gained momentum early in his second term, with a direct vow to eliminate the agency swiftly. Officials later revealed plans to consolidate its functions, though the scale of restructuring—including the potential elimination of 40 programs—sparked immediate debate over education funding and federal oversight. Critics warned of weakened protections for students and schools, while supporters framed the move as a step toward streamlining government. The proposal remains a flashpoint in broader discussions about the federal role in education policy.
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 ...