In Trump’s Quest to Close the Education Department, Congress and His Own Agenda May Get in the Way
Trump Directs Administration to Slash Spending, Pressure Employees to Quit
President Donald Trump is preparing to gut the U.S. Education Department to the full extent of his power, directing his administration to slash spending while pressuring employees to quit. Yet his promise to close the department is colliding with another reality: Most of its spending — and its very existence — is ordered by Congress.
Executive Order in Preparation
An executive order in preparation by the White House appears to recognize the limits of the president’s power. The planned order would direct his education chief to start winding down the agency but urge Congress to pass a measure abolishing it, according to sources familiar with the plan.
Trump’s Nominee for Education Secretary
At a White House press conference Tuesday, Trump quipped about the first task for Linda McMahon, his nominee for education secretary.
“I want Linda to put herself out of a job,” Trump said.
Conservative Criticism of the Department
Trump campaigned on a pledge to close the department, saying it has been infiltrated by “radicals, zealots and Marxists.” In the nearly five decades since the agency was created, conservatives have made occasional attempts to shut it down, with critics saying it wastes taxpayer money and inserts the federal government into local education decisions.
Congressional Obstacles
Trump is expected to give his education chief a deadline to deliver a plan for the agency’s winddown. Yet even some of his allies question how far he can go without Congress. Some of the department’s most significant programs are required by federal legislation, including Title I money for low-income schools and federal student loans.
Trump’s Own Agenda
What Trump can actually do to cut spending could be limited to tiny fractions of the budget, according to one source with knowledge of the plan. It would hardly dent the department’s $79 billion annual budget.
Congressional Support
Getting support from Congress would provide another test of Trump’s sway. Some Republicans have raised doubts about the popularity of closing the department or slashing its programs, which support Republican and Democratic states alike.
Democrats’ Response
Democrats in Congress were quick to jump on Trump’s plan. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, called it an “attack on educators, families and students.” He vowed to fight it.
Conclusion
Trump’s quest to close the Education Department may face significant challenges, both from Congress and his own agenda. While he may be able to make some changes through executive action, the department’s core programs and existence are likely to be protected by congressional legislation.
FAQs
* What is Trump’s plan to close the Education Department?
Trump is directing his administration to slash spending and pressure employees to quit, while urging Congress to pass a measure abolishing the department.
* How much of the department’s budget can Trump actually cut?
According to one source, Trump’s plan could limit cuts to tiny fractions of the budget, hardly denting the department’s $79 billion annual budget.
* Will Congress support Trump’s plan?
Some Republicans have raised doubts about the popularity of closing the department or slashing its programs, which support Republican and Democratic states alike.
