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What is the Ministry of Education

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ana faguy

BBC News, Washington, DC

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One of President Donald Trump’s main purpose was to demolish the Department of Education, and on the opening day of his second term, he signed an executive order to start tearing off the agency, which manages student loans for thousands of borrowsers, carries out programs to help low-income children, and oversees funding for some public schools.

Trump approaches his goal one step after the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that his administration could continue to plan to lay off half of the department’s workforce, more than 1,000 people.

Six conservative judges in the court, three of whom were appointed by Trump, voted to stop the shooting by orders from lower judges. Three liberals objected.

On social media, Trump called the ruling a “major victory” for parents and students, which would pave the way for executive orders, saying Education Secretary Linda McCmahon can now “start this very important process.”

Trump and his allies accuse the ministry of indoctrinating young people with racial, sexual and political ideology.

However, conservatives have long tried to eliminate the department, almost from the moment it was founded in 1979. A complete shutdown is likely to have to participate in Congress, so Trump’s attitude is to drastically narrow its coverage and capabilities.

What does the department do – don’t do it?

A common misconception is that the Department of Education conducts curriculum in U.S. schools and sets up curriculums – the responsibility actually belongs to state and local areas.

The institution does oversee student loan programs and manage Pell grants to help low-income students attend college.

It also helps fund programs to support students with disabilities and those living in poverty.

The ministry enforces civil rights laws designed to prevent discrimination based on race or gender in federally funded schools.

What is its budget and how many people are there working?

The division’s allocation is $238 billion (£188 million) for the fiscal year 2024 – less than 2% of the total federal budget.

The agency has approximately 4,400 employees, the smallest employee in any cabinet-level department. Trump administration tries to cut this, and the ministry announces plans Cut about half of the labor force.

Most of the public funding for American schools comes from state and local governments.

In 2024, the Education Data Plan estimates that the United States spent more than $857 million in secondary and secondary education in total – equivalent to $17,280 per student.

Can Trump close the department?

He himself, no.

Not only does Trump need congressional approval to get rid of the department, he may also need a super tribute in the U.S. Senate – 60 out of 100 senators.

Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, so they will need at least seven Democrats to vote to cancel the agency – a political long-term.

Even in the House, Trump may have a hard time getting the necessary support.

The vote to repeal the department (which was an amendment to another bill) failed last year because 60 Republicans joined the House of Representatives against all Democrats.

Trump’s executive order directs Secretary McMahon to “take all necessary steps to promote the closure of the agency” and to transfer power to state and local governments.

It also directed her to ensure “the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs and benefits that Americans rely on.”

It does not include a schedule or deadline for the move, which faces legal challenges.

Despite questions about the legitimacy of these moves, Trump has turned to other government departments in recent months.

Employees in the education sector are the focus of government efforts Shrinking federal labor force.

Watch: The Ministry of Education “cannot close” without Congress – Linda McMahon

What happens to student loans?

Trump had previously promised that his removal of part of the education sector would include relocating certain programs, such as student loans, in different government agencies.

He announced plans to transfer student loans from the education department to the Small Business Administration in the spring, but was almost immediately blocked by a judge’s order

The portfolio includes loans collected by more than 40 million Americans over 15tn (£110 million).

The text of the executive order to close the education sector compares the debt portfolio managed by the department to the size of Wells Fargo.

The executive order states: “The Department of Education is not a bank, it must return the banking function to an entity equipped to serve American students.”

No matter which agent manages student loans, the borrower still has to pay them off.

The court ruling and Trump’s policies reversed former President Joe Biden’s attempt to lower borrowing costs and forgive some changes in some debts.

Why do Republicans abolish it?

The idea of eliminating the education sector has been proposed by Republicans almost with the idea of existence.

During Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign, he pushed for demolition.

Historically, Republicans have opposed centralized education policies, believing it is best to leave it to individual countries and regions.

Recently, they accused the Ministry of Education of pushing what it calls “awakening” political ideology toward children, including gender and race.

Trump’s allies also hope to expand school options, which will enable students and families to use public funds to choose private or religious alternatives to public schools.

Conservatives believe that the functions of the education sector should be handled by other agencies, for example, civil rights violations are the area of the Department of Justice.

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