Trump Education Department Outsources More Responsibilities

Continuing proposed wind-down of the U.S. Department of Education

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Trump administration has taken additional steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, announcing two new interagency agreements that will transfer more of its responsibilities to the State Department and Department of Health and Human Services. This is part of an ongoing effort to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states.

Why it matters

The move to outsource more Education Department functions to other agencies has drawn criticism from federal employee unions and Democratic lawmakers, who argue it is an unlawful attempt to dismantle the department despite lacking the authority to do so. There are concerns that the changes could jeopardize resources and support that students and families are entitled to by law.

The details

Under the new agreements, the Education Department will partner with the State Department on foreign gift and contract reporting, and with HHS on family engagement and school support programs. This follows seven other interagency agreements signed in 2025 as part of the administration's efforts to break up the department. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the changes represent a step toward greater efficiency and coordination, but critics argue they are creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

  • In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Education Department to take steps to facilitate its own closure.
  • In July 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily greenlit mass layoffs and a plan to dramatically downsize the Education Department.
  • In February 2026, Congress rebuked Trump's request to dramatically slash funding for the Education Department, instead providing $79 billion in funding for the current fiscal year.

The players

Linda McMahon

The current U.S. Secretary of Education, appointed by President Trump.

Rachel Gittleman

The president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, which represents Education Department workers.

Patty Murray

The top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, who has lambasted the Education Department's actions.

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What they’re saying

“As we continue to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states, our new partnerships with the State Department and HHS represent a practical step toward greater efficiency, stronger coordination, and meaningful improvement.”

— Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education (dailyfly.com)

“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 (dailyfly.com)

“McMahon is unlawfully dismantling the Education Department by moving programs and offices to other federal agencies despite a clear warning from Congress that she lacks the authority to do so.”

— Rachel Gittleman, President, American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

Congress has directed the Education Department and the agencies involved in the interagency agreements to provide biweekly briefings on the implementation of the transfers, suggesting ongoing oversight and scrutiny of the administration's actions.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's continued efforts to dismantle the Education Department, despite lacking clear legal authority, have raised concerns about the potential impact on students, families, and the education system as a whole. The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions around the role of the federal government in education policy.