The Trump administration is preparing to take action to significantly reduce the role of the Department of Education, according to reports. The executive order, which is expected to be signed soon, will direct the agency to begin limiting its responsibilities and scaling down its operations.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been working to identify areas where the federal government can cut spending. Sources indicate that some DOGE staff members have already accessed internal systems at the Education Department as part of their review process.
Eliminating the department altogether would require congressional approval, an outcome that remains unlikely. In 2023, a Republican-led effort to abolish the agency failed to pass the House, and it would take significant bipartisan support to revisit the issue.
Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, chairman of the House Education Committee, has stated that while dismantling the department may not be feasible, Republicans should work to “de-power” it by shifting more control to state and local governments.
The executive order is expected to begin transferring certain functions away from the department, though the administration has not released specifics. Some officials believe that the administration may wait until Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon is confirmed before making additional announcements.
The Trump administration has made it clear that reforming federal agencies is a priority. The Department of Education joins a growing list of government entities targeted for restructuring as part of efforts to reduce spending and limit federal influence over state policies.
