The Trump administration is preparing to scale back the Department of Education as part of a larger effort to reduce federal oversight and return control to states. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing the agency to begin reducing its scope and shifting responsibilities elsewhere.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been involved in the process, with some of its staff reportedly gaining access to internal Education Department systems. DOGE has been tasked with identifying excess spending across federal agencies, and the department is one of its primary targets.
Abolishing the Department of Education entirely would require congressional approval, which remains unlikely. A 2023 House vote to eliminate the agency failed, and Republican leaders acknowledge that full repeal would require Democratic support. However, lawmakers like Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan have emphasized the need to “de-power” the department through executive action.
The executive order is expected to move certain functions of the department to state governments and other federal agencies. While some responsibilities are mandated by law, others can be reassigned without congressional approval.
The timing of the order remains uncertain. Some officials suggest that Trump may wait until Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon is confirmed before proceeding. No confirmation hearing has been scheduled yet.
The Trump administration’s plan to scale back the department is part of a broader push to limit federal control over education. Similar efforts are underway across other agencies as the administration looks for ways to cut spending and reduce bureaucratic oversight.
