Trump's Stealthy Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education

President Trump's vow to eliminate the Department of Education has been a long-standing campaign promise, but his efforts to dismantle the agency have been largely overshadowed by other controversies. However, a closer examination of his administration's actions reveals a deliberate and multi-pronged strategy to undermine the department's authority and reduce its influence.

According to reporter Liam Knox, who discussed Trump's plan on the Big Take podcast, the president has used every tool at his disposal to get the job done. "It's a classic Trump playbook," Knox said. "He's using a combination of budget cuts, deregulation, and appointments to chip away at the department's power."

One of the key tactics Trump has employed is budget cuts. The administration's proposed budget for 2020 included a 10% reduction in funding for the Department of Education, which would have resulted in the elimination of several programs and a significant reduction in staff. Although the cuts were ultimately blocked by Congress, the move sent a clear signal about the administration's intentions.

In addition to budget cuts, Trump has also used deregulation to undermine the department's authority. The administration has rolled back several key regulations, including the "gainful employment" rule, which was designed to hold for-profit colleges accountable for their graduates' debt and job prospects. The move has been widely criticized by education advocates, who argue that it will make it easier for predatory colleges to take advantage of vulnerable students.

Trump has also used appointments to shape the department's agenda. The appointment of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education was widely seen as a nod to the president's commitment to dismantling the department. DeVos, a longtime advocate for school choice and voucher programs, has been a vocal critic of the department and has used her position to promote policies that favor private and charter schools over traditional public schools.

The implications of Trump's plan to dismantle the Department of Education are significant. If successful, it would likely result in a significant reduction in federal oversight and funding for public schools, which could have a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority students. It could also lead to a proliferation of for-profit colleges and charter schools, which have been criticized for their lack of accountability and transparency.

Despite the potential consequences, Trump's plan has received relatively little attention from the media and the public. However, education advocates and experts are sounding the alarm, warning that the administration's actions could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the nation's education system.

"It's a stealthy plan, but it's a very deliberate one," Knox said. "Trump is using every tool at his disposal to dismantle the Department of Education, and it's up to us to pay attention and hold him accountable."