Trump signs executive order to begin dismantling department of education

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order today to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education.

(CNN)-President Donald Trump has signed an executive order today to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education, stating, “I’d like it to be closed immediately.” However, the final decision to fully eliminate the department lies with Congress.

According to a senior administration official, the order initiates a shift of education authority from the federal government to individual states. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the need for change, saying, “Since the Department of Education was established in 1980, we’ve spent over a trillion dollars only to see our scores continue to decline.”

Supporters of the move argue that education decisions should be made at the state level. “Oftentimes, what’s concocted in Washington, D.C., doesn’t exactly fit Montana,” said Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT).  Some state officials, like Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman (D), have expressed concern over whether states have the resources to take on federal education responsibilities, given past budget cuts.

While administration officials insist that funding for students with disabilities and low-income schools will remain unchanged, critics worry about the broader impact on public education. “Educational opportunity is not government waste. It’s something that is central to what makes America great,” said Jack Stanton, an elementary school principal in Michigan.

The National Education Association has strongly opposed the move, warning that dismantling the Department of Education could disrupt learning for 50 million students. Pro-education demonstrators have also spoken out, with one protester stating, “It only hurts the most vulnerable, our children.”