Education Department to move more programs to other federal agencies amid Trump, McMahon efforts to close it
The Hill
by Lexi Lonas CochranFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. Education Department has announced plans to transfer two additional programs to other federal agencies as part of President Trump's initiative to dismantle the federal education bureaucracy. This move follows earlier agreements reached last year and marks the latest step in an ongoing effort to redistribute responsibilities across government departments. The department has finalized interagency deals with the Health and Human Services (HHS) and State departments, which will assume oversight of specific programs previously managed by the Education Department.
One of the programs being transferred is the Family Engagement Innovation Center, which focuses on fostering partnerships between schools, families, and communities to improve student outcomes. This program will now fall under HHS's jurisdiction, aligning with its broader mandate to support health and human services initiatives. Additionally, another program aimed at international education exchange will be moved to the State Department, reflecting a shift in focus from domestic education priorities to foreign policy objectives.
This realignment is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reduce the size and scope of federal agencies. By transferring programs to other departments, the Education Department aims to streamline operations and prioritize core educational initiatives. These changes could have significant implications for how federal education policies are implemented and monitored in the future.
For readers interested in politics, this development highlights ongoing debates about the role and size of government. Critics argue that these shifts may weaken the Education Department's ability to address critical issues like school funding inequities and access to higher education. Supporters, however, contend that redistributing responsibilities could improve efficiency and better align programs with the missions of other agencies.
Ultimately, this decision reflects a broader effort to restructure federal operations and underscores the administration's commitment to reducing the federal bureaucracy. As these changes unfold, they will likely spark further discussions about the balance between federal oversight and state or local control in education policy.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026