Author Breccan F. Thies profileTHE WHITE HOUSE — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday afternoon directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start dismantling the Department of Education.

The signing, held in a packed East Room full of students, teachers, parents, education advocates, and governors from across the country, was a celebratory event for many who have wanted to see an end to federal bureaucrats’ dictating of education regulations and spending, without regard for the individual needs of states and localities. McMahon was also in attendance. …