On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order aiming to eliminate the Department of Education, an initiative long championed by the American right. The goal is to return control of education to individual states. Trump’s action aligns with a campaign promise and could dramatically alter the federal government’s role in U.S. education. However, the plan requires Congressional approval for full implementation.

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• Trump signs an order to begin eliminating the Department of Education.
• The move is part of Trump’s long-standing goal to reduce federal control over education.
• The Education Department, created in 1979, requires Congressional approval to be fully shut down.
• The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps towards closing the department.
• Trump’s administration aims to return education authority to individual states.
• The decision is controversial, with strong opposition from Democrats and educators.
• Trump argues that eliminating the department will save money and improve education standards.
• Republican governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott supported the order at the signing ceremony.
• The White House suggests that a smaller, focused department might remain for critical functions like student loans and grants.
• Critics worry that dismantling the department could harm low-income schools and students with special needs.