Trump will order a plan to shut down the US Education Department 

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters and signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on January 30, 2025. According to two White House officials, Trump intends to sign an executive order on Thursday directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "take all necessary steps" to initiate the dismantling of the agency. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

                                                                       

President Donald Trump has recently taken significant actions to reshape federal agencies, notably targeting the Department of Education and U.S.-funded media organizations.

Department of Education

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the dismantling of the Department of Education. This order aims to transfer educational authority back to the states while maintaining essential services. The administration argues that this move will empower parents and local communities, potentially enhancing educational outcomes.

However, the complete abolition of the department requires congressional approval, a challenging prospect given the current political landscape. Critics express concerns that closing the department could adversely affect vulnerable student populations by eliminating federal protections and support programs. Legal challenges are anticipated, as a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general and the NAACP argue that the move is unconstitutional and risks harming students who rely on federal support, particularly in underserved communities.

U.S.-Funded Media Organizations

In a parallel effort to reduce federal oversight, President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, to significantly cut staff at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees entities like Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Radio Free Asia (RFA). This action has led to widespread furloughs and operational disruptions across these organizations.

                                                                   

For instance, RFA has placed hundreds of U.S.-based staff on unpaid leave following the termination of its federal funding. This move is seen by rights activists as a significant blow to reliable news sources in repressive countries.Similarly, exiled Russian journalists working with RFE/RL are facing precarious situations, as the cessation of funding threatens their employment and legal status in host countries.

Critics argue that these cuts undermine the United States' role as a defender of free information and weaken its soft power globally, especially at a time when authoritarian regimes are expanding their influence. The affected media organizations are seeking alternative funding and exploring legal challenges to the executive order.

These developments reflect the administration's broader efforts to restructure federal agencies and redefine their roles within the government.

 

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