On June 16, 2026, the Education Department announced four new interagency agreements to transfer key responsibilities to other federal agencies. This move aligns with Education Secretary Linda McMahon's efforts to restructure the department in accordance with President Donald Trump's executive order from March 2025, which aimed to return control of education to the states.
With the latest agreements, certain special education and rehabilitative services will be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, while the Department of Justice will take over civil rights enforcement, student privacy protection, and training services previously handled by the Education Department. McMahon stated, "The Trump Administration has been clear: as we scale back federal micromanagement when it hinders success, we are equally committed to bolstering the efficacy of federal oversight where it is essential."
She emphasized the goal of strengthening academic outcomes and supporting individuals with disabilities through these partnerships. McMahon has signed a total of 14 interagency agreements to date.
Frederick Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that these agreements could complicate future changes by a Democratic president, requiring significant effort to reverse the current administration's actions. McMahon previously attempted to reduce the department's workforce by laying off around 1,400 employees but faced legal challenges. She has indicated ongoing discussions with lawmakers to make these changes permanent, despite facing criticism and legal pushback regarding her authority to transfer responsibilities without congressional approval. The Supreme Court allowed the dismantling process to continue while legal challenges are resolved, although Congress has recently authorized the department's budget at approximately $79 billion.