In the United States, the Trump administration is actively dismantling the Education Department, a cabinet-level agency established in 1979. On November 18, 2025, an agreement was reached to transfer several key offices from the Education Department to other federal agencies, marking a significant shift in educational policy and governance. These transfers are part of a broader initiative to return educational responsibilities to state governments, a goal that aligns with President Trump's intentions announced earlier in his administration. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has spearheaded this effort, citing issues such as increasing federal spending and stagnant academic performance as reasons for the restructuring. The ongoing changes include the shifting of major funding programs and services to other departments, notably the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Interior, and State. For instance, significant federal funding streams, including programs for low-income communities and educational access initiatives, are being reassigned to these other agencies. Despite these transfers, the Education Department will retain oversight of federal student loans and college accreditation, maintaining its role in regulating financial aid for students. This dual approach illustrates both the intention and the limitations of the administration’s efforts to overhaul the system. McMahon has characterized these actions as necessary to eliminate what she deems a “bloated bureaucracy,” while also asserting that state governments can better manage educational needs. However, experts and legal scholars have raised concerns regarding the authority of the Trump administration to shift responsibilities, emphasizing that specific federal laws assign certain functions directly to the Education Department. Critics argue that these changes could disrupt services that are essential for students, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. As these agreements unfold, political challenges remain. Fully dismantling the Education Department would still require congressional approval, which faces potential opposition from Democrats. The fundamental goal of returning education policy control to the states aligns with broader conservative ideals of minimizing federal intervention in local governance. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such a transition remains to be seen, with the potential impact on students’ access to equitable education a significant concern moving forward.