Trump urges immediate closure of the Department of Education
- President Trump has criticized the Department of Education for poor performance relative to funding, stating he wishes to close it immediately.
- Linda McMahon's nomination as education secretary indicates a possible move towards dismantling the department and its programs.
- Teachers are worried that the systematic cuts and proposed changes will undermine the public education system, affecting future generations.
In a series of statements, President Donald Trump has voiced his criticism of the Department of Education, referring to it as a 'con job'. He made these remarks while highlighting that the U.S. ranks 40th in educational performance globally, despite spending the most per pupil. This ongoing discussion gained traction during Linda McMahon's nomination process to become the next education secretary, where Trump indicated that her primary role would be to help dismantle the department. Teachers across the country have expressed deep concerns about the future of public education amid these potential changes, fearing the cuts will weaken the system. Teachers' associations have raised alarms about the impactful federal funding necessary for local educational growth being jeopardized by the Trump administration's policies. Layoffs within the Department of Education have already commenced, targeting newer employees while driving fears about the viability of educational programs and civil rights protections for students. Trump's administration, aligning with Project 2025's proposals, seeks to limit federal influence in education, although the consequences of such actions could have lasting effects on public schooling and its funding, jeopardizing resources for low-income schools and students with disabilities.