Trump plans executive order to dismantle Education Department, Cox supports layoffs

President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, directing Secretary Linda McMahon to facilitate the closure while ensuring continued service delivery. This move comes amidst significant layoffs within the department, reducing its workforce by nearly half, which Utah Governor Spencer Cox supports as a necessary step towards reform. Cox argues for state control over education, stating that federal oversight complicates educational processes and has not improved outcomes for students. He emphasizes that dismantling the department aligns with federalism, allowing states to innovate and learn from one another. Cox's op-ed in the Washington Examiner reflects his broader push for educational reform and may signal his ambitions for a more prominent political role. Critics of the plan warn it could lead to disparities in educational quality across states.