With Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Valley Congressman Michael Rulli looking on during a White House ceremony, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, a move aimed at returning control of education policy to the states.

"Government functions best when it is closest to the people it serves, which is why returning control of education to the states is such an important step." Rulli said in a statement released by his office.

Rulli argued that the department had expanded while educational standards declined, and that it had been "hijacked by left-wing ideologues." He emphasized that "critical services for vulnerable children" would remain fully funded.

The move drew criticism from the Ohio Democratic Party.

"This reckless move will throw schools into chaos and hurt Ohio’s most vulnerable students," said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer in a statement.

The party’s statement emphasized the impact on Title I funding, which supports schools with high numbers of low-income students. According to the party, Ohio received $596 million in Title I funding in fiscal year 2023, supporting over 800,000 students.

"Ohio’s students are our state’s future, but their elected officials are cheering as billionaires rip away their access to a quality education," Seewer said.

"The essential services that schools provide for neglected children, those with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations will be preserved and fully funded," Rulli said.