Fact Check Analysis: Trump to sign order aimed at closing Education Department

Fact-Checking Trump’s Executive Order on Closing the Education Department

The Washington Post recently reported that former President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at closing the Department of Education. However, concerns over legal feasibility and congressional authority have raised questions about Trump’s ability to dismantle the department through executive powers alone. This fact-check examines key claims from the article and clarifies any potential misinformation or missing context.

Understanding the Historical Context

The Department of Education was established in 1979 as a cabinet-level agency to oversee federal education policy and funding. Over the decades, its role has expanded to administer student loans, special education funding, and grant programs for low-income schools. Politicians, particularly conservatives, have periodically proposed eliminating the department, arguing that education should be managed at the state and local levels. Despite campaign promises from multiple Republican presidents, efforts to dismantle the department have never been successful due to legal and political challenges.

Examining the Key Claims

Claim #1: Trump’s Executive Order Can Close the Education Department

The article states that Trump’s executive order is aimed at closing the Education Department. While he may sign such an order, closing a cabinet-level department requires congressional action. The department was created by Congress and can only be abolished through legislation. This fact was acknowledged by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who admitted during her Senate confirmation that only Congress has the power to dissolve the department. Without congressional approval, the executive order is largely symbolic.

Claim #2: The Order Will Not Affect Major Federal Education Programs

The article reports that a senior administration official said federal programs like Title I funding for low-income schools and IDEA funding for special education will “NOT be touched.” However, it is unclear how closing the Education Department would leave these programs unchanged. If the department were to be dismantled, its functions would either have to be shifted to other agencies or eliminated, which would require congressional approval. Therefore, while the administration claims these programs will remain intact, there is no clear mechanism for how they would continue without significant restructuring.

Claim #3: The Executive Order Will Return Education Control to the States

The article repeatedly states that Trump’s executive order is framed as restoring education control to the states. However, states already provide the majority of education funding and set most school policies. The Department of Education primarily functions to administer federal grants, oversee civil rights protections, and regulate student loans. While transferring certain functions to the states is possible, it would require extensive legal and budgetary restructuring. Thus, while the order may reduce federal oversight, education has always been largely state-controlled.

Final Verdict

The Washington Post’s article accurately reports on Trump’s plan to sign an executive order targeting the Education Department’s closure. However, the article provides appropriate context by stating that legal experts and administration officials admit that congressional approval is necessary for such an action. The report fairly presents the complexities of the issue, acknowledging both the administration’s intent and the challenges it faces. While the executive order may push administrative changes, it does not have the power to single-handedly eliminate the department.