President Donald Trump has signed a decree aimed at “eliminating” the Department of Education, a project hailed by the American right, which has turned schools into a battleground against progressive ideas.

“We’re going to eliminate it,” the American president said shortly before signing the document at the White House.

“We’re going to close it as soon as possible,” Trump added.

Last week, the department began laying off half of its employees.

“These layoffs reflect the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are deployed where they matter most: towards students, parents, and teachers,” said Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education.

During his election campaign, Donald Trump promised to get rid of this federal department in order to transfer its responsibilities to American states, which already hold the majority of the competences in this field.

He appointed Linda McMahon to head the Department of Education with the mission of “making itself unemployed”.

Established in 1979 during Jimmy Carter’s presidency, the Department of Education cannot be completely abolished without the adoption of a law that requires 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans currently hold 53 seats.