In the presence of students and teachers, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at shutting down the federal Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing conservative campaign promise.

The executive order would leave education policy almost entirely in the hands of states and local boards, a move that has raised concerns among liberal education advocates.

To completely abolish the department, congressional legislation would be required, and Trump currently lacks the necessary votes for such a measure.

During the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump stated, "We will simply return education to the states where it belongs.

The executive order follows last week's announcement by the department of plans to lay off about half of its workforce.

This move is the latest in Trump's efforts, just two months into his presidency, to reshape the U.S. government and dismantle federal bureaucracy.

Education has long been a politically divisive issue in the United States, with conservatives favoring policies that support private schools, while progressive voters largely back programs and funding for public schools.

The executive order aims to reduce the department to its core functions, such as managing student loans, Pell Grants, and resources for children with special needs.

Trump declared, "We will shut it down, and we will shut it down as quickly as possible. It serves us no purpose."

Although Republicans control both chambers of Congress, Democratic support would be needed to secure the 60 votes required in the Senate to pass such a measure.

Trump suggested that the matter could ultimately come to a congressional vote to completely abolish the department.

The department oversees approximately 100,000 public schools and 34,000 private schools in the U.S., although more than 85% of public school funding comes from local and state governments.

It provides federal grants to needy schools and programs, including funding for teachers of children with special needs, arts programs, and replacing outdated infrastructure.

The department also manages $1.6 trillion in student loans, which millions of Americans rely on to afford higher education.

Trump acknowledged that he would need support from lawmakers and teachers' unions to fulfill his campaign promise of fully closing the department.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten responded in a statement, "See you in court.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray stated, "Donald Trump knows full well he cannot abolish the Department of Education without Congress, but he understands that if he fires all the employees and dismantles the department, he might achieve a similarly devastating result."