Trump Plans To Sign Executive Order Thursday Dismantling Education Department

Forbes - Mar 19th, 2025
Open on Forbes

President Donald Trump is poised to sign an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, as reported by multiple sources. The order, expected to be signed on Thursday, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate steps to close the department and shift education authority to the states. According to a White House fact sheet obtained by Bloomberg, the order targets regulations and paperwork that divert attention from education's primary teaching role. While federal funding for students with disabilities, low-income schools, and student loans remains unchanged, the order will cut funding for programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The move represents a significant shift in federal education policy, aligning with Trump's previous calls to overhaul or eliminate the department. The implications of this decision could lead to a decentralization of educational governance, potentially affecting the standardization and equality of education across states. While the executive order signals a strong intent, dismantling the department will likely need congressional approval, indicating potential legal and political challenges ahead. This development underscores ongoing debates about the federal government's role in education and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story provides a timely and engaging overview of a potentially significant policy shift involving the Department of Education. While it draws on reputable sources and presents a clear narrative, it lacks balance by not fully exploring opposing viewpoints or potential consequences of the proposed changes. The accuracy of some details, such as the involvement of Linda McMahon, raises questions, and the article would benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and verification. Despite these shortcomings, the article effectively highlights a topic of high public interest and potential controversy, with the capacity to influence public discourse and policy debates.

RATING DETAILS

5
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with reports from other sources, such as Trump's intention to sign an executive order regarding the Department of Education. However, the claim about dismantling the department and the feasibility of such an action without congressional approval needs verification. The story mentions that congressional approval is likely required, which is consistent with the legal framework governing federal departments. The mention of Education Secretary Linda McMahon is incorrect, as she is not the current Secretary of Education. The story also claims that certain programs will remain unchanged, which aligns with what a White House official reportedly told USA Today, but this requires confirmation from official documents or statements.

6
Balance

The article predominantly presents perspectives supportive of the executive order, such as the intention to reduce federal oversight and return control to states. It lacks a comprehensive discussion of opposing viewpoints, such as potential negative impacts on national education standards or the views of educators and policy experts who might oppose such a move. The story could benefit from including perspectives from those who might be affected by the changes, such as teachers, students, and state education officials.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a straightforward presentation of the main claims and key points. The language is accessible, and the structure follows a logical progression from the main claim to supporting details. However, some aspects, such as the role of Linda McMahon, could confuse readers due to inaccuracies. The story could also benefit from a clearer explanation of the legal and procedural steps involved in dismantling a federal department.

7
Source quality

The article cites multiple reputable sources, including Bloomberg and USA Today, which adds credibility to the claims presented. However, the reliance on a 'White House fact sheet' and unnamed officials for key information suggests a need for more direct attribution or access to the primary documents. The lack of direct quotes or official statements from the Education Department or other government officials also limits the depth of source quality.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the basis for its claims. While it references a White House fact sheet and reports from other media outlets, it does not provide direct links or access to these documents. The methodology behind how the information was obtained or verified is not disclosed, which could help readers understand the reliability of the claims. Additionally, there is no mention of potential conflicts of interest that might influence the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.axios.com/2025/03/20/trump-order-education-department-dismantle
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-executive-order-education-department/
  3. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/19/trump-order-dismantling-education-department-00239693
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4lQkMpxJms