US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at abolishing the Department of Education, according to US media reports.
In a brief speech at the White House before signing the order, Trump said: “we will shut down the department as soon as possible. It brings us no benefits.”
Current Education Secretary Linda McMahon is to take all possible measures to reduce the department’s functions to an absolute minimum. “She will hopefully be our last Education Secretary,” Trump said. “But we will find something else for you,” he added, turning to McMahon.
A complete dismantling of the department requires a special majority in the Senate, with sixty out of one hundred senators needed to approve the measure. This is in doubt as Republicans currently hold 53 seats.
The Department of Education is responsible for providing loans and grants to students. It also helps fund programmes that support students with disabilities and prevents discrimination based on race or gender in government-funded schools.
Conservatives have long advocated for the department’s abolition, claiming it indoctrinates young people.
The organisation of education itself is not handled by the department; this authority lies with the states.
The Trump administration had already dismissed nearly half of the department’s staff last week.
