President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, and vowed to return the money it controls to individual states.  However, the text of the executive order does not include specifics on what actions the administration will take and which programmes might be axed.

Trump  criticized the department for "breath-taking failures" , accusing  it of indoctrinating young people with racial, sexual, and political material.

While the White House acknowledges Congressional action is needed for complete closure, immediate staff cuts and programme reductions are planned.  

The Department of Education, established in 1979, primarily administers student loans and programmes for low-income students. Federal funding constitutes about 13% of primary and secondary school funding, with states and local districts providing the majority. 

Surrounded by children seated at school desks in the White House on Thursday, Trump said,  "The US spends more money on education by far than any other country", yet he added that students rank near the bottom of the list.

Critics argue that dismantling the department will harm vulnerable students and dispute Trump's claims regarding  US  education spending and student performance. The department's budget, in recent years, measured over $200 billion.

The executive order is expected to face legal challenges. Trump praised Linda McMahon, the education secretary, hinting at a future role for her. The American Federation of Teachers criticized the move, warning against using a "war on woke" to undermine support for the underprivileged.