Trump Orders Education department cuts amid Policy Shifts

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, March 20th, 2025

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President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Education Department. While Congress must approve a full closure, the White House confirmed that critical functions, including student loans and special education funding, will continue under a reduced agency. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the administration remains committed to streamlining federal oversight of education.
Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and the European Union persist over trade tariffs. The EU has postponed its planned retaliatory tariffs against Trump’s steel and aluminum duties until mid-April. The proposed measures include a 50% levy on American whiskey, which could escalate further after Trump’s threat of a 200% tariff on European alcohol. Officials on both sides are negotiating to avoid a full-blown trade conflict.
In international developments, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has released George Glezmann, an American airline mechanic who was detained in Kabul in 2022. U.S. officials worked behind the scenes to secure his freedom. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that U.S. diplomats traveled to Afghanistan for negotiations, highlighting ongoing diplomatic challenges in dealing with the Taliban regime.
The Trump administration continues to push its policy agenda, with education reforms, trade disputes, and diplomatic efforts shaping the current political landscape. As Congress debates the future of the Education Department, international tensions over tariffs and diplomatic negotiations remain key issues for the administration.