Education Department Transfers More Programs to Other Agencies

Agreements with HHS and State Department shift responsibilities away from the Education Department.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The U.S. Education Department is handing over more of its programs and grants to other federal agencies, including the Health and Human Services Department and the State Department. This is part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the role of the Education Department and return education responsibilities to the states.

Why it matters

The agreements represent the latest steps in the Trump administration's goal of scaling back the federal role in education. Critics argue this will create confusion and harm students and families who rely on the Education Department's oversight and support.

The details

Under the new agreements, HHS will take over grant programs that send millions to schools for safety and community engagement efforts. The State Department will increase its role in data collection, reporting and enforcement of rules requiring colleges to disclose large foreign gifts. The Education Department says this will improve efficiency, but critics argue it will erode public trust and jeopardize resources for students.

  • The new agreements were announced on February 24, 2026.
  • Last year, the Education Department signed seven similar agreements transferring work to other agencies.

The players

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Secretary of Education who has suggested shifting core Education Department functions to other federal agencies.

Patty Murray

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Washington state who criticized the new agreements, saying they will hurt students and families.

Rachel Gittleman

The president of AFGE Local 252, the union representing Education Department workers, who said the agreements will create confusion and harm students.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't efficiency — Secretary McMahon is creating confusion for schools and colleges, eroding public trust, and harming students and families.”

— Rachel Gittleman, President of AFGE Local 252 (AFGE Local 252 statement)

“These illegal agreements aren't just creating pointless new bureaucracy that burdens our already-overworked teachers and schools; they are actively jeopardizing resources and support that students and families count on and are entitled to under the law.”

— Patty Murray, U.S. Senator (Statement)

What’s next

The future of the programs being transferred to HHS is uncertain, as the Trump administration has proposed zeroing out the budget for five of the six programs in its 2026 budget request.

The takeaway

The Education Department's transfer of more responsibilities to other agencies is the latest step in the Trump administration's efforts to scale back the federal role in education. While the administration argues this will improve efficiency, critics warn it will create confusion, erode public trust, and jeopardize resources for students and families.