Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education

The Trump administration has initiated a significant restructuring of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to transfer many of its core responsibilities to other federal agencies. This move is part of President Donald Trump's long-standing goal to dismantle the department, which he argues has become a bloated bureaucracy. On November 18, 2025, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced six interagency agreements that will shift oversight of major programs to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Interior, and State. This includes the transfer of the Title I program, which serves 26 million children in low-income areas, to the Department of Labor.

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Employees within the Department of Education have expressed deep concerns regarding the restructuring. Staff members reported a significant decline in morale, with one employee stating, “Morale is completely lost. Staff are furious about the way we are being treated.” Many employees fear that the fragmentation of educational programs will lead to confusion and inefficiency, rather than the promised streamlining. “It feels as though they’re making this as difficult and traumatic as possible,” said another employee, emphasizing the lack of communication and transparency from leadership.

Workers Say Trump’s Push to Dismantle Education Department ‘Makes No Sense’

The restructuring has drawn sharp criticism from various stakeholders, including labor unions and education experts. Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252, condemned the plan as “unlawful” and detrimental to students nationwide. Angela Hanks from the Century Foundation questioned the logic of moving educational programs to agencies without relevant expertise, arguing that it would “unleash chaos” on school districts. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, described the move as an “abdication of responsibility,” asserting that it undermines the support systems essential for students.

Workers Say Trump’s Push to Dismantle Education Department ‘Makes No Sense’

Despite the backlash, the Trump administration defends the restructuring as a necessary step to enhance efficiency and return control of education to the states. McMahon stated, “Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission.” The administration argues that the changes will not disrupt funding levels set by Congress and that schools will continue to receive federal support.

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The legality of the restructuring is under scrutiny, with critics arguing that the President cannot unilaterally dismantle an agency created by Congress. Senator Patty Murray labeled the move an “outright illegal effort,” warning that it could harm students and families reliant on federal education programs. Legal experts anticipate that this initiative will lead to numerous lawsuits challenging the administration's authority to redistribute these responsibilities.

Politico

As the Trump administration pushes forward with its plan to dismantle the Department of Education, the implications for students, educators, and families remain uncertain. Critics warn that the fragmentation of educational oversight could exacerbate existing challenges within the U.S. education system, particularly for vulnerable populations. The full impact of these changes may not be realized for months, as stakeholders grapple with the shifting landscape of federal education policy.

The Guardian