In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate closure of the Education Department, labeling it a \"big con job.\" Speaking from the White House Oval Office, Trump emphasized the department's low ranking and high costs.
\"I'd like it to be closed immediately,\" Trump stated to reporters on Wednesday. \"The Department of Education's a big con job. So they ranked the top 40 countries in the world. We're ranked number 40th. But we're ranked No. 1 in one department – cost per pupil. So, we spend more per pupil than any other country in the world.\"
This isn't the first time Trump has voiced his desire to dismantle the department. During his first term, he proposed shutting it down to reduce the size and functions of the federal government. The Education Department currently employs 4,245 people and spent $251 billion in the most recent year, according to Reuters. An immediate closure could disrupt billions in aid to students from kindergarten through high school, as well as tuition assistance for college students.
In addition to targeting the Education Department, Trump has been pushing for major federal government reforms since his inauguration on January 20. This includes reducing the federal workforce and allowing the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to access key payment systems across multiple agencies.
Trump has also attempted to shut down agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), accusing them of \"tremendous fraud\" and \"unprecedented levels of corruption.\" However, the closure of both USAID and the Education Department would require approval from Congress.
As these proposals continue to make headlines, the impact on students and federal operations remains a topic of heated debate. Stay tuned to NewspaperAmigo.com for more updates on this developing story!
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