Capitol News

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, a move that has received support from Michigan Republican leaders. The Department, established in 1979, has overseen federal spending on education for more than four decades.

According to supporters of the executive order, including representatives from Michigan, federal intervention in education has not led to improved outcomes. They point to stagnant test scores and declining national rankings as evidence. In particular, Michigan is currently ranked second-worst in the country for fourth-grade reading performance.

"President Trump just took a sledgehammer to one of the most bloated, broken agencies in Washington — and I fully support it," a statement from a Michigan Republican leader said. "Since its creation in 1979, the federal government has spent over $3 trillion on education. And what’s the result? Flatlined test scores. Falling rankings. Michigan now ranks second-worst in the nation for fourth-grade reading. This is a national embarrassment."

The statement criticized continued increases in federal spending and regulations without corresponding improvements for students: "Washington’s answer? More money. More red tape. More woke ideology. All while real students fall through the cracks."

Supporters say that returning decision-making authority and funding to states and local communities will better serve students and parents: "President Trump is doing what no one else has had the courage to do: return control — and dollars — back to the states, back to local communities, and back to parents. That’s where education decisions belong — not in the hands of anonymous D.C. bureaucrats who haven’t set foot in a real classroom."

The proposed changes would preserve certain federal programs such as Title I funding for disadvantaged schools, Pell Grants for college students, support for students with disabilities, and federal student loans.

"This move doesn’t gut critical programs. It protects Title I, Pell Grants, funding for students with disabilities, and federal student loans," according to the statement.

Criticism was also directed at Democratic lawmakers’ focus on diversity initiatives: "The Democrats are doubling down on DEI and distractions while our students fall further behind. They’re not serious about fixing education — but we are."

The message concluded with a call for unity among supporters: "Let’s unite around the truth, stay firm in our values, and keep working toward a brighter future. With your help, we will ensure that Michigan’s best days are ahead of us."