Executive Order Overview
President Trump is anticipated to issue an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate steps toward closing the Department of Education.
An administration official informed NewsNation White House correspondent Libbey Dean early Thursday that Trump intended to sign an executive order Thursday afternoon. This order would task McMahon with starting the process to dissolve the Education Department.
The official White House schedule was updated Thursday morning. It listed Trump signing unspecified executive orders at 2 p.m. EST.
A White House official later provided an update to Dean. They clarified that Trump would not sign the order dismantling the Education Department on Thursday, as it remains under review.
Draft Details and Development
The executive order was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Its development began before Trump’s January inauguration.
The Washington Post reported additional details about the draft. It noted that the document acknowledges the president lacks the authority to abolish the department unilaterally. Such an action would likely require 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans currently hold 53 seats.
The draft, however, includes specific directives for McMahon. It instructs her to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department” within “the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law,” according to the Journal.
It also contains a statement on the administration’s view. “The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars—and the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars support — has failed our children, our teachers, and our families,” the draft reportedly states.
The Post highlighted that the draft is marked “pre-decisional.” An individual familiar with the matter indicated to the outlet that its details could shift before finalization.
The Hill has reached out for statements. It has contacted both the White House and the Education Department for comment.
McMahon’s Role and Statements
McMahon was confirmed as Education Secretary on Monday. Her confirmation marks the beginning of her leadership over the department.
That evening, she addressed the potential executive order. In a letter outlining her goals, she wrote, “My vision is aligned with the President’s: to send education back to the states and empower all parents to choose an excellent education for their children.”
She elaborated on her perspective as a parent. “As a mother and grandmother, I know there is nobody more qualified than a parent to make educational decisions for their children,” she added.
McMahon also recently spoke to department employees. She outlined a “final mission” for them, noting that while the future is uncertain, “every staff member of this Department should be enthusiastic about any change that will benefit students.”
She referenced recent policy moves by Trump. McMahon pointed to his executive orders on school choice and the elimination of critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as part of her focus.
