President Trump took a big step to shrink the federal government by signing an executive order to start closing the Department of Education. This fulfills his promise to send education decisions back to states instead of Washington bureaucrats. Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis stood proudly beside Trump at the signing, calling it a “victory for parents and students.”
DeSantis says Congress must now pass laws to make Trump’s order permanent. He argued that unelected officials in Washington shouldn’t control what kids learn in Florida classrooms. “States know their communities best,” DeSantis declared. He praised Trump for finally doing what past Republican presidents only talked about.
Florida’s success proves states don’t need federal oversight, DeSantis explained. Under his leadership, Florida banned Common Core, expanded school choice, and let parents decide their children’s education path. Over half a million students now use scholarships to attend private schools or learn at home. Test scores climbed higher without strict federal rules.
Critics claim closing the Education Department will hurt students, but DeSantis called that “fearmongering.” He said Florida protects funding for disabled students and low-income families without Washington’s interference. The federal government kept taking credit for state achievements while pushing divisive policies about race and gender, he argued.
Trump’s order cuts hundreds of bureaucratic jobs and ends wasteful programs. This saves taxpayer money and stops activists from using schools to push political agendas. Teachers can focus on reading, math, and history instead of filling out federal paperwork. States like Texas and Iowa joined Florida in celebrating the return of local control.
Some Democrats warn this move will leave vulnerable students behind, but DeSantis says that’s false. Florida increased special education funding and created trade schools to help kids learn skills for good jobs. “Washington didn’t do that – we did,” he said. The Biden administration had wasted money on teacher training programs that pushed radical ideas instead of basics.
Trump promised to protect Pell Grants and student loans during the transition. DeSantis agreed, saying important aid programs will work better without a bloated department slowing things down. He urged Congress to act quickly so future presidents can’t reverse Trump’s progress.
This historic move ends 45 years of federal overreach in education. With states back in charge, parents will have the final say over their children’s futures. DeSantis vowed to keep fighting until the Department of Education is gone for good. “The era of government knows best is over,” he said.
