Washington: US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order as soon as Thursday instructing his education secretary to abolish the US Department of Education, according to the Wall Street Journal.

According to Anadolu Agency, a draft of the order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to 'take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department,' as far as legally possible. The draft describes the federal control of American education through programs and funding as a failed experiment impacting children, teachers, and families.

The draft order is labeled 'pre-decisional,' indicating potential changes, but the initiative to eliminate the department has been a long-standing goal among US conservatives. Following her Senate confirmation, McMahon emphasized her commitment to returning educational control to the states, reflecting Trump's vision and the mandate from American voters.

The Department of Education, established by Congress in 1979 to enhance federal support for equal educational opportunities, is on Trump's list for dismantling. In a 2023 campaign video, Trump reiterated his plan to close the department in Washington, DC, and delegate educational responsibilities back to the states.

While Trump cannot unilaterally close the department through an executive order without congressional approval, he could still weaken its operations and reassign its responsibilities.