Donald Trump orders Education Department shutdown

On Thursday March 20, the U.S. president signed an executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling one of his campaign promises, but the move has hit two roadblocks.

To get his way, President Donald Trump needs the approval of Congress and a 60 vote majority in the Senate, where Republicans hold just 53 seats.

Although the department plays a limited role in the U.S. education system, its closure could have a major impact on the schooling of young Americans.

According to the Trump administration, this decision is part of the general offensive against the federal state in the United States to reduce public spending.

With the dismantling of the federal Department of Education, there will no longer be any control over state educational decisions.