D.C. Debrief: President Trump moves to dismantle Department of Education, lawmakers seek answers on federal cuts

Political Analyst Scott Mitchell and Washington Bureau Chief Alex Cameron discuss key moments from D.C. this week.

Trump signs Executive Order to dismantle Department of Education

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, a long-promised move that has sparked sharp debate.

The order, signed Thursday, directs the Secretary of Education to take the necessary steps to eliminate the department. However, the specifics of how this will be achieved remain unclear.

"This is something that...he and his supporters have been talking about for years," said Alex Cameron. "In their view, the previous administration used the Department of Education to further their... what they call radical progressive liberal agenda, particularly in schools."

Democrats have spoken out about the decision, calling it a dangerous move that could deprive students and schools of critical services. However, Republican lawmakers argue that many of those services will remain intact.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin has said that funding for students with disabilities and support for lower-income schools will continue.

Despite the executive order, the complete elimination of the department would require congressional approval. Established by Congress in 1979 during the Carter administration, the agency's elimination would need a Senate supermajority. With the current political climate, securing the necessary 60 votes appears unlikely.

Meanwhile, reductions within the department have already begun. Since Trump took office, the number of employees has been cut in half, with some staff accepting early deferment offers.

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Lawmakers Seek Clarity on Federal Cuts and Weather Forecasting

Oklahoma's congressional delegation is pressing for clarity on federal budget cuts, particularly regarding agencies responsible for weather forecasting and emergency services.

Rep. Tom Cole met with Elon Musk this week to discuss concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration's newly created agency aimed at reducing federal spending.

"Cole says that Musk told him, 'Hey, we're going to make mistakes. You know, we're moving fast, and so that's bound to happen, but we're going to correct our mistakes,'" Cameron said. "Cole says... he supports what DOGE is doing."

Rep. Stephanie Bice has expressed frustration over the pace of federal cuts citing concerns over the rushed decision-making process.

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Cherry Blossoms Set to Bloom in Washington, D.C.

As spring approaches, Washington, D.C., prepares for the annual bloom of its famed cherry blossoms, a tradition that dates back to 1912. The trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo to the United States as a symbol of friendship.

Currently, about 2,000 cherry trees surround the Tidal Basin, drawing more than a million visitors each year.

"If you haven't, boy, it's, it's actually something that you ought to think about trying to come and see in person," Cameron says.

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