President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that formalizes his directive for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to work to “begin eliminating” the Department of Education, taking a major step toward completing one of his most ambitious and controversial campaign promises.
“We are going to shut it down, and shut it down as quickly as possible,” Trump said in the East Room of the White House flanked by children in school desks.
The president spoke to a crowd of parents, administration officials and Republican governors, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.