Trump to order dismantling of US education department

US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday that aims to dismantle the Department of Education, the White House says.

The move, which he promised to do on the campaign trail, is already facing legal challenges from those seeking to block the department’s closure as well as the sweeping cuts to its staff announced last week.

Trump has long called for the department to be axed, a cherished goal of some conservatives, but even with an executive order completely eliminating it would require approval by Congress.

And that is seen as unlikely given the slim 53-47 majority Republicans hold in the Senate. Major legislation such as closing a department would require 60 votes.

The president’s order is expected to be signed during a ceremony at the White House later on Thursday. Republican state governors, including Florida’s Ron DeSantis are reportedly set to attend the signing.

The order would “expand educational opportunities” and “empower parents, states, and communities to take control and improve outcomes for all students,” a White House spokesman said on Wednesday.

Established in 1979, the education department oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans and runs programmes that help low-income students.

Trump has accused it of “indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material”.

A common misconception is that the department operates US schools and sets curricula – but that is done by states and local districts.

And a relatively small percentage of funding for primary and secondary schools – about 13% – comes from federal funds. The majority is made up from states and local groups.

The agency also plays a prominent role in administering and overseeing the federal student loans used by millions of Americans to pay for higher education.