Donald Trump is preparing to fulfill one of his most controversial campaign promises by attempting to dismantle the United States Department of Education. With the signing of an executive order, Trump plans to redistribute the department's functions among the states, in an attempt to return control over education to parents and satisfy a long-standing Republican aspiration. Linda McMahon, newly named Secretary of Education and a key figure in the world of professional wrestling, has been tasked with advancing this mission. However, the final closure of the Department of Education would require congressional approval, specifically 60 votes in the Senate, which seems unlikely given that Republicans only hold 53 seats. The drastic restructuring announced by McMahon, which has already begun with the reduction of half of the department's staff, could be challenged in court, following the pattern of cuts carried out by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk.
The most significant impact could fall on the federal student loan system, which involves around $1.6 trillion and whose continuation is contingent on federal regulations. The potential dissolution of the Department of Education threatens to leave thousands of students and educational institutions in uncertainty regarding the management of their debts. Behind Trump's controversial decision lies the belief that for too long the federal administration of education has been in the hands of progressive officials, accused of imposing a liberal agenda that includes issues of gender equality, racism, and LGTBIQ+ rights. Through his moves, Trump seeks to "return power to American parents" and promote a "pro-American" education, though not without facing resistance from activists and lawmakers who defend the current national education system.
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