Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has consistently expressed his desire to shrink the federal government and reduce government spending. One of the agencies that has been in the crosshairs of Trump’s administration is the Department of Education.
Critics of the Department of Education argue that it is inefficient, bloated, and unnecessary. They claim that education is a state and local responsibility, and that the federal government’s involvement in education has not produced tangible results. With a budget of over $68 billion in 2020, the Department of Education is one of the largest federal agencies, and some believe that this money could be better spent elsewhere.
Trump has also been critical of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which was implemented during the Obama administration and sets benchmarks for what students should know in each grade. Trump has called for a return to local control of education and has expressed his support for school choice and voucher programs. Closing the Department of Education would align with Trump’s vision of reducing federal involvement in education and giving more control to states and local communities.
However, closing the Department of Education would be a significant and controversial move. The department oversees a wide range of programs, including student loans, grants, and civil rights protections for students. Critics argue that without federal oversight, there could be a lack of consistency and accountability in education.
Ultimately, the decision to close the Department of Education would require approval from Congress. While Trump may have the desire to do so, it is unclear if he would be able to garner enough support to make it happen. Only time will tell if Trump’s vision of shrinking the federal government will extend to closing the Department of Education.
