While Congress must approve any shutdown, the initiative has begun with staff cuts at the Education Department|GPA Photo Archive|CC BY-NC 2.0

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order to diminish the Education Department, aiming to fulfill his campaign promise of eventual closure.

While Congress must approve any shutdown, the order directs the agency to reduce staff and functions. The initiative has begun with staff cuts and efforts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut spending.

The order also seeks to shift some responsibilities to other federal departments, such as student loans to the Treasury.

Trump’s potential move aims to test presidential power, facing opposition from legal groups and many Democrats.