The president recently signed an executive order in the East Room of the White House aimed at significantly reducing the role of the Education Department, a long-held goal among conservatives. The event was attended by children, conservative activists, and six Republican governors from various states, all eager to witness this historic moment.
As he prepared to sign the order, the president sought reassurance from the children present, asking them if he should proceed. Their enthusiastic nods encouraged him to sign the document, prompting applause from the audience.
This executive order reflects the president's tendency to undertake actions that previous leaders have avoided. However, he appeared less fervent than usual during the signing, acknowledging the unusual nature of the decision. He clarified that while he aimed to eliminate the Education Department, only Congress has the authority to abolish a cabinet agency. His order requested the department to devise a plan for its own dissolution.
During his remarks, the president emphasized that many Americans had opposed the establishment of the Education Department when it was created by President Jimmy Carter. He acknowledged the implications of his actions for his education secretary, Linda McMahon, while expressing admiration for the department's workforce, stating they were "good people."
Despite the president's apparent ambivalence, the atmosphere in the room was one of excitement among attendees, many of whom had long anticipated this moment. Activists and parents expressed their satisfaction with the progress being made toward education reform, noting that previous Republican presidents had failed to take similar steps.
Observers noted that the president's four years in office had provided him with the opportunity to plan for this significant change, aligning with the expectations of his supporters.