President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, aiming to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Established by Former President Jimmy Carter in 1979, the department has faced existential threats in the past, including a call for its dissolution by Former President Ronald Reagan. The executive order marks another pivotal moment as the Trump administration continues to challenge the role and functions of the department.
The Department of Education is responsible for overseeing the country's $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio. It also provides crucial funding to low-income students and enforces civil rights across the nation. Despite these significant responsibilities, the department is facing a reduction in resources under the current administration. The Trump administration had previously attempted to merge the Education Department with the Labor Department during Trump's first term.
The department currently employs 2,183 individuals, a notable decrease from the 4,133 employees present when Trump took office. Layoffs announced earlier this month will affect nearly half of the remaining staffers. However, it is expected that key functions such as managing federal student loans will continue despite these changes.
Mitria Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, expressed concern over the recent developments.
"Today's decision does not serve the interests of students or families," said Mitria Spotser.
In addition to overseeing student loans, the Department of Education plays a critical role in enforcing civil rights across the country. Although the executive order poses a threat to its operational capabilities, only Congress has the power to unilaterally eliminate the department.
Spotser further criticized the administration's move.
"It weakens public education, abandons civil rights enforcement and prioritizes corporate interests over the fundamental right to a quality education," she stated.