The Education Department’s Empire-Building

The U.S. Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, has made its priorities clear: dismantling the very institution they’re supposed to oversee. A recent Facebook post exemplifies their approach, declaring “American history is worth learning” while using a photo from British history.

The image in question shows women in early 20th-century attire demanding the right to vote, taken in London around 1912. One would expect such an error to be caught during even basic fact-checking, especially considering the department’s own resources on the subject. However, this is Trump-era education policy, where McMahon has consistently demonstrated more interest in dismantling the department than doing actual work.

This post follows a series of questionable decisions from the Education Department, including the transfer of at least 118 functions to other federal agencies. This is not merely bureaucratic reshuffling; it’s the systematic dismantling of a critical government agency that actually serves American students.

McMahon’s “A1” gaffe was particularly cringe-worthy, but when it comes to educational pursuits, one gets the sense they’re not taking it seriously. The administration’s track record on this front is clear: destroying USAID or dismantling the Department of Education, with little concern for the consequences.

Conservative leaders have long sought to dismantle the Department of Education since its inception, as seen in the policies of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. The difference now is that Trump and McMahon seem to be doing it with a gleeful abandon – as if they’re more interested in tearing things down than governing.

American students will ultimately bear the brunt of this administration’s policies. Will we see the Department of Education reduced to a shadow of its former self? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: under McMahon and Trump, it will be a wild ride.

A History of Contempt

The Department of Education’s social media accounts have been filled with videos showcasing Republicans over the decades insisting that the department needs to be dismantled. It appears they’re trying to demonstrate their commitment to this cause – even if it means sacrificing actual educational progress.

One can’t help but wonder what would happen if Presidents Bush or Reagan took a look at the British photo in question. Would they not demand better of their underlings? Or are we supposed to believe that Trump and McMahon are somehow above such petty concerns as accuracy?

The Cost of Dismantling

The transfer of functions from the Department of Education has been described by some as a “chainsaw” approach – tearing things down with little regard for the consequences. But what about American school kids? Who will be left to pick up the pieces when this administration is through?

It’s hard not to think that this is part of a larger strategy to weaken federal agencies and consolidate power at the state level. The idea, it seems, is to “return control of education to the states” – although it remains to be seen what exactly this means in practice.

A Legacy of Failure

As we watch the Department of Education being dismantled piece by piece, one can’t help but think about the legacy that will be left behind. Will American students emerge from this era with a stronger education system? Or will they inherit a shell of its former self – a testament to the Trump administration’s disdain for actual governance?

The clock is indeed ticking – and it’s up to Congress to put an end to this dismantling before it’s too late.