President Donald Trump makes headlines again. Just days ago, he signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Flanked by children, he declared, “It sounds strange, doesn’t it? Department of Education. We’re going to eliminate it.” The chaos has only just begun.

This order won’t close the department overnight. Congress must approve any complete dissolution. Yet, Trump pushes hard. He wants power shifted back to the states. His Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, stands ready to facilitate this change. She joined him, hoping she’ll be the last person in that role.

Critics slam the order. They argue that low-income students, students of color, and those with disabilities will suffer. The department provides vital oversight for federal student loans and civil rights protections in schools. Public education advocates fear serious consequences. They call the executive order reckless and say it will destabilize the education system.

Meanwhile, Trump’s economic policies stir the pot. He risks further inflation as he prepares to impose extensive tariffs on global trading partners. His advisors believe the pain is worth it for long-term gains. They argue for a reset of the U.S. economy, but the markets buzz with uncertainty. Stocks wobble, and concerns about recession loom large.

In the middle of this drama emerges the idea of a “DOGE dividend.” Trump and billionaire Elon Musk float the notion of mailing checks to taxpayers. They tout payments potentially reaching $5,000. This plan hinges on savings gleaned from cutting government waste. It sounds enticing to many, but economists raise eyebrows. “Dumping $5,000 per person into the economy sounds great on paper,” warns Aaron Cirksena, CEO of MDRN Capital. “But it’s essentially pouring gasoline on an already hot fire.”

Supporters argue for the DOGE dividend. They see it as a way to placate an anxious public. They hope it will provide much-needed relief in these turbulent times. But the potential inflationary effects cause serious concern.

Kevin Hassett, Trump’s economic advisor, champions the dividend idea. He believes direct payments would stimulate the economy without significant inflationary risk. Opponents, however, insist this notion defies economic logic. Experts say it would merely exacerbate demand, pushing prices up further.

The uncertainty continues. Public sentiment towards the DOGE dividend is mixed. Polls show broad disapproval, particularly among Democrats. Meanwhile, educators warn about the implications of reducing the Education Department’s influence. They worry that the cherished values of equality and opportunity could be lost.

Trump’s policies create a whirlwind of anxiety. Doubters question the wisdom of dismantling the very structures that support education and stability. What will be the fallout? Only time will tell. But one thing remains clear—Trump’s administration is steering toward a turbulent path, where education and the economy hang in the balance.

In these critical days, Americans watch, waiting to see how it all unfolds.

Sources:

  • Engelberg, S. (2025, March 20). The October story that outlined exactly what the Trump administration would do to the federal bureaucracy. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org
  • Postelnyak, M. (2025, March 21). How do Trump’s tariffs affect Canadian business? We answer your questions. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com
  • Edelman, A. (2025, March 20). What to know about how Trump’s executive order will affect American education. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com
  • Shabad, R., Haake, G., & Doyle, K. (2025, March 20). Trump signs executive order to dismantle the Education Department. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com
  • Williams, K. (2025, March 22). Why Trump’s economic policies may have canceled the DOGE dividend check, at least for now. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com