Trump Administration Plans to Dismantle Education Department Amid Government Downsizing

The Trump administration, with backing from billionaire Elon Musk, is planning to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education as part of a broader effort to reduce the size of the federal government. An executive order is being considered that could eliminate non-statutory functions of the department or transfer them to other agencies, aligning with Trump's initiative to completely abolish the department. This follows significant criticism from Republicans regarding policies from the Biden administration, particularly around student loan forgiveness and diversity programs. Reports indicate that at least 60 Education Department employees were recently placed on administrative leave, which may relate to Trump's push for restructuring. Critics, including former officials, warn that such drastic changes could lead to chaos in the education system and may face legal challenges. The move reflects ongoing tensions surrounding educational policy and governance in the U.S.