📚OMB cuts Education budget as Senate delays McMahon confirmation

Trump's March 15 directive creates political theater while constitutional reality requires legislative approval. The Department of Education continues operating under career official Denise Carter while awaiting Senate confirmation of Linda McMahon, demonstrating how separation of powers limits presidential authority over agency existence.

The $16 billion supporting low-income schools remains protected due to broad congressional support. However, 18 grant programs totaling billions get consolidated into a $2 billion block grant, cutting specialized support for rural schools, teacher training, and special education by approximately 60% through mathematical reduction.

States fund most education through property taxes, creating inequality between wealthy and poor districts. Federal dollars specifically support special education mandates, English language learners, and rural connectivity—programs that disappear when folded into broad state grants without requirements.

The executive order eliminates headquarters approval requirements for immigration arrests at schools. Teachers face impossible choices between protecting students and avoiding federal obstruction charges while parents fear sending children to school where federal agents can operate freely.