Trump to sign the order Thursday to begin dismantling the Education Department

According to the White House, President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order on Thursday to begin the process of dissolving the Department of Education.

The signing has been planned for weeks and will be commemorated with a celebration at the White House attended by numerous Republican governors, including Mr. Trump's erstwhile challenger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"President Trump's executive order to expand educational opportunities will empower parents, states, and communities to take control and improve outcomes for all students," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement Wednesday.

According to authorities, the president will make the announcement at a White House ceremony on Thursday afternoon, which will also be attended by Republican governors, state education officials, and schoolchildren.

Republicans have long sought to dismantle the Department of Education, dating back to Reagan's presidency. After being approved by the Senate, Education Secretary Linda McMahon released a memo with the subject line "Our Department's Final Mission." The memo said "this is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service to future generations of students. I hope you will join me in ensuring that when our final mission is complete; we will be able to say that we left American education freer, stronger, and with more hope for the future."

According to a senior administration official, the directive would not affect federal support for kids with disabilities covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Title I money for low-income schools, or federal student loan payments.

Critics claim that the department is necessary for crucial financial assistance and grant programs. According to education experts, shutting down the Department of Education could decimate public education funding and disproportionately affect high-need students across the country who rely on statutorily authorized programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title 1, which provides funding for low-income families.

During Trump's first term, former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wanted to drastically slash the agency's budget and requested Congress to combine all K-12 funding into block grants that allow states greater control over how they spend federal funds. It was defeated, with opposition from several Republicans.