In a bold move fulfilling a long-standing conservative goal, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Citing "breathtaking failures," Trump vowed to shift control and funding back to individual states, though full closure requires congressional approval.

Speaking at the White House, surrounded by schoolchildren, Trump criticized the nation's education spending, arguing that despite investing more than any other country, U.S. students perform poorly on global rankings. The administration plans to cut parts of the department within legal boundaries, but specifics remain unclear.

The decision has already sparked legal challenges, with opponents arguing that it jeopardizes crucial programs, particularly for low-income and disabled students. The American Federation of Teachers condemned the move, accusing Trump of prioritizing ideological battles over children's education.

Trump appointed Linda McMahon to lead the department, expressing his hope that she would be its final secretary. Soon after taking office, McMahon sent employees a memo titled “Our Department's Final Mission,” urging them to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities to state and local governments.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has proposed legislation to close the department entirely, but with the Senate requiring 60 votes, its success remains uncertain. Even without formal closure, deep budget cuts could cripple its operations, echoing reductions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under Trump.

The Department of Education, established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, oversees federal student loans and programs aiding underprivileged students. Critics argue that its removal could disrupt these essential services, despite most school funding coming from state and local sources.

As the battle over the future of federal education policy unfolds, one thing is certain: Trump's decision has ignited a fierce debate over the role of the federal government in American schooling.