Trump Administration Transfers Education Department Duties to Other Agencies

June 17, 2026 - 06:34

The Trump administration moved forward Tuesday with its plan to break up the Education Department by reassigning several of its core responsibilities to the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. The shift marks the latest step in a long-running effort to reduce the federal government's role in education.

Under the new arrangement, civil rights enforcement in schools will now fall under the Justice Department's jurisdiction. That includes investigations into discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. Meanwhile, oversight of student loan programs and financial aid compliance will be handled by Health and Human Services. The Education Department will retain some functions for now, but its staffing levels have already been cut significantly.

Critics argue the move will create confusion for school districts and families who rely on federal guidance. They point out that the Justice Department and HHS lack the specialized knowledge needed to handle complex education issues. Supporters of the change say it eliminates bureaucratic redundancy and returns power to states and local communities.

The administration has not announced a timeline for completing the full dismantling of the department. However, officials indicated that more transfers of duties are expected in the coming weeks. The Education Department was established in 1979, and its elimination has been a goal of conservative policymakers for decades.