President Donald Trump has taken a significant step toward dismantling the U.S. Department of Education by signing an executive order that begins the process of eliminating the nearly 45-year-old federal agency, a move that aligns with his longstanding campaign promises to conservative voters.

During a signing ceremony at the White House, attended by schoolchildren, Trump announced plans to "shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible," asserting that the move is intended to return control of education to states and local communities. Trump criticized the Education Department, describing it as "doing us no good" and citing poor student performance as a rationale for this action.

The executive order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take "all necessary steps" to facilitate the closure of the department, which oversees critical education functions such as student loans, Pell grants, and programs for students with disabilities. However, significant challenges remain, as complete shuttering of the department would require Congressional approval, which Trump currently does not possess.

Experts have warned that dismantling the Education Department could lead to chaos in the management of student loans and federal aid programs. Peter Granville, a higher education finance expert, noted the potential disruptions to over 40 million borrowers who depend on federal assistance.

Opposition to Trump's executive order has emerged from various quarters, including Democratic leaders and education advocates, who argue that it will disproportionately undermine support for low-income students and exacerbate existing inequalities in education. Critics have framed Trump's actions as part of a "rampage" against vital civil institutions.

Looking forward, while some key functions will remain under federal oversight, the shift will lead to services being handled by different federal agencies, raising further questions about the transition process and the future of educational equity.