In a sweeping move to reduce federal oversight in education, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that significantly weakens the Department of Education, shifting control of school policy almost entirely to states and local school boards.

The order, signed on Thursday, marks the first formal step in Trump’s broader push to eliminate the department.

Speaking at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, the president called it a necessary move to reduce government overreach and restore education decisions to local authorities. “We’re going to be returning education, very simply, back to the states where it belongs,” he said.

Although shuttering the department entirely would require congressional approval, Trump’s administration has already taken substantial steps to shrink its influence.

The department recently announced plans to lay off nearly half of its staff, aligning with Trump’s broader efforts to downsize what he considers an oversized and inefficient federal government.

The president has also targeted higher education, cutting funding and pushing to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in universities.

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The move has sparked intense debate in the United States, where education has long been a politically divisive issue.

Conservatives have historically championed local control over education policy and school choice programs that benefit private and religious schools.

Meanwhile, left-leaning advocates argue for strong public school funding and federal oversight to ensure equal educational opportunities.

Critics warn that dismantling the department could weaken support for low-income schools and students with special needs, who rely heavily on federal aid programs.

Despite Trump’s firm stance, public opinion is largely against closing the Department of Education. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 65% of Americans opposed shutting it down, compared to just 30% in favor.

The poll, conducted nationwide among 4,145 adults, highlighted a significant divide between the administration’s goals and public sentiment.

Crediblenewsng.com