President Trump announced plans to dismantle the Education Department, citing poor test scores as justification. His actions, however, are constitutionally challenged as Congress holds the authority over such decisions. Surrounding himself with school children during the signing, he expresses hope that Democrats will support his initiative. Trump's administration has already significantly reduced the department's workforce and funding. This unprecedented move sets a historic legal and political battleground regarding federal involvement in education, as Trump's directive potentially conflicts with established congressional powers.
We're going to shut it down, and shut it down as quickly as possible, Mr. Trump said. The department, which manages federal loans for college, tracks student achievement and supports programs for students with disabilities, was created by an act of Congress.
That means, according to Article 1 of the Constitution, only Congress can shut it down. That clear delineation of power â a fundamental component of democracy from the inception of the United States â underscores why no other modern president has tried to unilaterally shutter a federal department.
Mr. Trump has already taken significant steps that have limited the agency's operations and authority. In his first 50 days in office, his administration slashed the department's work force by more than half and eliminated $600 million in grants.
But Mr. Trump has already taken significant steps that have limited the agency's operations and authority. His administration slashed the department's work force by more than half and eliminated $600 million in grants.
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