Trump's Education Department Closure Plan Raises Concerns

President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education, although he does not have the authority to close it without congressional approval. The draft order criticizes federal control over education, suggesting its functions be returned to the states. Concerns have arisen regarding the management of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan debt, with agencies like the Treasury Department as potential successors for their management. States such as Texas, Minnesota, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Michigan, and New Jersey, which rely heavily on federal education funding, could face significant impacts like increased student debt burdens and reduced funding for public schools. This move could lead to drastic consequences for public school funding, potentially resulting in increased local taxes to compensate for the loss of federal aid. Despite the draft order and political support from some Republicans, the initiative faces significant opposition and legal challenges.