What's happened
The Trump administration is advancing plans to transfer most of the Education Department's functions to other federal agencies, aiming to reduce federal involvement in education. The move involves new partnerships with Labor, Interior, State, and HHS, sparking debate over potential disruptions and impacts on vulnerable students.
What's behind the headline?
The move to dismantle the Education Department reflects a broader ideological push for decentralization and reduced federal oversight. While proponents argue that transferring programs to agencies like Labor and HHS will improve efficiency and focus, critics warn that it risks creating confusion and disrupting vital services for disadvantaged students. The scale of the transfer—billions of dollars and core programs—signifies a fundamental shift in federal education policy. This effort is driven by a belief that the department has become a bureaucratic burden, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon asserting that the department is a 'bloated bureaucracy' that has failed to improve student outcomes. However, the plan's legality is contested, with opponents arguing that only Congress can eliminate or significantly alter the department's functions. The move also raises questions about the capacity of other agencies to handle education responsibilities, especially those requiring specialized expertise. The political response is polarized: Democrats warn of harm to vulnerable populations, while Republicans celebrate a reduction in federal bureaucracy. The next steps will determine whether these agreements lead to a smoother transition or cause significant program disruptions, particularly for students with disabilities, low-income students, and Native American communities. The administration's strategy appears aimed at demonstrating progress to Congress and the public, but the long-term impact remains uncertain.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the administration's plan involves transferring key responsibilities to agencies like Labor, Interior, State, and HHS, emphasizing that the move aims to streamline federal education activities and reduce administrative burdens. Critics, including Democratic leaders and civil rights advocates, argue that this will harm vulnerable students and create confusion, citing concerns about the expertise of other agencies and legal challenges. The AP News highlights that the move is part of President Trump's broader effort to dismantle the department, with agreements signed just days before a government shutdown, and notes that the department's core functions, such as student loans and civil rights enforcement, remain in place for now. The New Arab emphasizes that the administration claims this will 'streamline' education and shift control to states, but critics warn it could disrupt programs supporting Native American students and international students. The NY Post and Politico detail the legal basis for the agreements under the Economy Act, with some experts questioning their legality and potential for future litigation. Overall, the coverage underscores a significant shift in federal education policy, with mixed reactions from stakeholders and ongoing legal and logistical uncertainties.
How we got here
President Trump has long sought to reduce the federal role in education, citing inefficiency and overreach. The administration's plan involves transferring responsibilities from the Education Department to agencies like Labor, HHS, Interior, and State, aiming to streamline operations and return control to states. Critics warn this could disrupt programs supporting vulnerable students, while supporters see it as a move toward efficiency and local control.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Linda Marie McMahon ( mək-MAN; née Edwards; born October 4, 1948) is an American administrator, business executive and former professional wrestling executive who has served as the 13th United States secretary of education since 2025. A member of the...
-
The United States Department of Labor is a cabinet-level department of the U.S. federal government responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, reemployment services, and some economic statistics; many U.S
-
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government.
-
The United States Department of State, commonly referred to as the State Department, is a federal executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations.
-
The United States Department of the Interior is a federal executive department of the U.S. government. It is responsible for the management and conservation of most federal lands and natural resources, and the administration of programs relating to Native
-
The United States Department of Health & Human Services, also known as the Health Department, is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government with the goal of protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential