The Trump administration has announced sweeping plans to dismantle much of the U.S. Department of Education, accelerating efforts to transfer core federal education programs to other government agencies and return control to the states. On November 18, President Trump underscored the move as fulfilling a longstanding conservative goal, declaring that education “belongs to the states” while signing new agreements that pave the way for closing large portions of the department.
Shifting Programs, Shrinking Federal Oversight
Under the plan, billions of dollars in grant programs—including Title I funding for low-income schools, teacher training, and college preparation—will now be overseen by the Department of Labor and other federal entities. Federal officials described the change as a major step in cutting bureaucracy and streamlining how federal dollars reach students and schools, but opponents warn it could disrupt services for vulnerable groups, including students with disabilities and those most in need.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the strategy aims to “break up the federal education bureaucracy” and create local solutions to educational challenges. The reorganization also impacts agency jobs, with the department reducing its workforce by half through layoffs and buyouts since Trump’s second term began.
Congressional and Legal Roadblocks
While the Trump administration can reassign many functions, only Congress has the power to formally abolish the Department of Education. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are divided: supporters argue that decentralizing education powers innovation, while critics say abrupt changes risk undermining national standards for equity, special education, and civil rights.
What Remains and What Changes
Some core functions—including federal student loan management and accreditation oversight—will stay with the department, but most remaining grants and programs are slated for redistribution. Essential responsibilities around special education and civil rights are expected to be retained in a much smaller agency, even as other duties move out.
National Impact
With this bold overhaul, the Trump administration is challenging the federal government’s role in education policy, offering a major test for state and local leaders as they absorb new responsibilities. As details unfold, the education community and the nation watch closely to see how this fundamental transformation will shape classroom experiences, accountability, and opportunity for students across the country.