US President Donald Trump is expected to issue an order aimed at eliminating the US Department of Education - a measure that has long been part of his political platform, The Wall Street Journal reports. According to the publication, the order could be issued as early as today, BTA reports.
The White House and the Department of Education have not yet responded to a request for comment made by Reuters.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the department is a "big scam" and has demanded its closure since his first term. However, Congress has not taken action on the issue. Republicans have long sought to reduce the department's funding and influence, and new Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who was confirmed by the Senate on Monday, supports the president's plan.
Supporters of the department argue that it plays a key role in maintaining standards in public education. They accuse Republicans of trying to encourage profiteering in the education sector. They say that immediately closing the department could result in the suspension of tens of billions of dollars in aid for elementary and secondary education, as well as for student fees in colleges.
Last month, Trump said he wanted the department to be eliminated immediately, but acknowledged that he would need the support of Congress and teachers' unions, since they determine the institution's funding.
McMahon assured senators that the process would require congressional action and said that funding for low-income school districts and students would continue.
The Department of Education currently oversees about 100,000 public and 34,000 private schools in the United States. However, more than 85% of public school funding comes from state and local governments, Reuters notes.