Trump to sign executive order ending Department of Education after nearly 50% staff were laid off

The White House official said Trump would be signing an executive order today (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

In a 2023 campaign video, he said (via CNN): “We’re going to end education coming out of Washington, DC. We’re going to close it up – all those buildings all over the place and people that in many cases hate our children. We’re going to send it all back to the states.”

This move will likely face backlash as there has already been opposition to the lay off of staff.

In response, National Education Association President Becky Pringle said: “Firing – without cause – nearly half of the Department of Education staff means they are getting rid of the dedicated public servants who help ensure our nation’s students have access to the programs and resources to keep class sizes down and expand learning opportunities for students so they can grow into their full brilliance.

“The Trump administration has abandoned students, parents, and educators across the nation.”

While the National Parents’ Union said in a statement that the lay-offs weren’t about ‘fixing education’ but rather ‘making sure millions of children never get a fair shot’.

“And we’re not about to let that happen without a fight.” they added (via Associated Press).