Politics
Trump administration promotes plans to return education control to states
Education Department officials cite low student proficiency scores and $3 trillion in historic federal spending as reasons to downsize the agency.
The short version
- The U.S. Department of Education is pushing to decentralize educational oversight to states and parents, citing low student test scores and high historical spending.
- Administration plans include shifting student lending operations to the Treasury Department and implementing a $1,700 tax credit for scholarship contributions starting in 2027.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump have framed the policy shift as a way to promote school choice and reduce federal oversight.
Key facts
- An Education Department spokesperson stated that $3 trillion in taxpayer investment has resulted in only three in 10 students achieving proficiency in reading and math.[Fox News]
- The administration is preparing the Education Freedom Tax Credit to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, granting individuals a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $1,700 for contributions to approved scholarship organizations.[Fox News]
- An inter-agency agreement shifts student lending operations and federal debt collection responsibilities from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury.[Fox News]
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon and department officials engaged in a radio blitz and a 50-state tour to communicate the administration's policy goals directly to families.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline and legal feasibility of completely eliminating the federal Department of Education remain unclear.[Fox News]