The Trump administration is preparing to make significant changes to the Department of Education as part of its broader plan to downsize the federal government. According to reports, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing the department to begin scaling back its role.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been closely involved in the effort. The advisory group, which has been tasked with identifying areas for spending cuts, has already begun reviewing the department’s operations. Some members of the group have reportedly accessed internal systems as part of their evaluation.

Republicans argue that federal overreach in education has led to a decline in academic standards. The department, created by Congress in 1979, has long been a target for conservatives who believe education policy should be handled at the state and local levels.

While fully eliminating the department would require congressional approval, House Education Committee Chairman Tim Walberg of Michigan has said that efforts to “de-power” the agency may be more feasible. In 2023, a House vote to abolish the department failed, making it unlikely that a full repeal could pass even with Republican majorities.

The executive order is expected to transfer non-essential functions away from the department, though details remain unclear. Some officials believe the administration may hold off on additional steps until Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon is confirmed.

This move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reshape federal agencies. The Department of Education is among several government entities being reviewed for potential cuts or restructuring.