The Trump administration is pushing ahead with efforts to limit the role of the Department of Education, marking a significant step toward reducing federal control over schools. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order instructing the department to begin scaling back its operations.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been reviewing the department’s structure, looking for areas to cut costs. Reports indicate that some DOGE staff members have already accessed internal Education Department systems as part of their assessment.
While Congress would need to approve any effort to abolish the department, the Trump administration is focusing on shifting certain responsibilities to state governments. The executive order will reportedly outline plans to scale back federal oversight while maintaining only legally required functions.
House Education Committee Chairman Tim Walberg of Michigan has said that shutting down the department entirely may not be realistic but limiting its reach is still a major goal. A 2023 attempt to eliminate the agency failed in the House, showing the difficulty of gaining legislative support for a full repeal.
The administration has not confirmed when the executive order will be issued, though some officials believe the move could come after Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon is confirmed. So far, no confirmation hearing has been scheduled.
The planned reduction in the Education Department’s authority is part of a larger strategy to restructure multiple government agencies. The Trump administration has been reviewing federal programs across the board to identify areas where control can be returned to states and local governments.
