Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said that congressional approval is needed to close the agency. Deep cuts to the workforce are expected in the short term.

Linda McMahon said Friday that President Donald Trump "intends" to sign an executive order to dissolve the Department of Education -- but it's still unclear when.

President Trump is expected to direct his secretary of education to dissolve the Department of Education by executive order this week, sources said.

Trump, 78, has also made no bones about his plans for the Education Department, telling reporters last month he hoped his nominee would “put herself out of a job.”