The Trump administration is taking the first steps toward reducing the size and power of the Department of Education, a long-standing goal of conservatives who argue that federal control over education has led to declining academic standards. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order directing the department to begin scaling back its functions.
While completely eliminating the agency would require congressional approval, the executive order is expected to begin transferring some of its responsibilities to state and local governments. According to sources, the plan focuses on limiting the federal government’s involvement in education policy while maintaining essential functions required by law.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory group led by Elon Musk, has played a key role in identifying areas for spending cuts. Some DOGE staff members have reportedly gained access to internal systems at the Education Department, signaling a significant shift in how the agency operates.
Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, chairman of the House Education Committee, has stated that while fully dismantling the department would be difficult, efforts to “de-power” it are more achievable. A previous House vote to abolish the department failed, making it unlikely that a full repeal could pass without bipartisan support.
The executive order is expected to move forward regardless of congressional resistance. Some officials suggest that the administration may wait until Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon is confirmed before implementing further changes.
The Trump administration’s efforts to scale back the Department of Education are part of a broader plan to reduce bureaucracy across multiple government agencies. The move aligns with the administration’s push to return decision-making power to states and limit federal influence in domestic policy.
