Trump's Education Department shifts K-12 programs to Labor Department without congressional approval

The Trump administration unveiled a sweeping plan on Nov. 19, 2025, to sidestep Congress and outsource large pieces of the U.S. Department of Education, telling lawmakers and staff it would shift work dedicated to elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education, and Indian education to other federal agencies. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced six new agreements between the Education Department and four other agencies to co-manage work, including grant-making programs that support college access and student success.

The arrangements include the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education moving to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Office of Postsecondary Education's institution-based grants moving to Labor, Indian education programs moving to the U.S. Department of Interior, on-campus child care support for parents enrolled in college moving to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and foreign medical accreditation moving to HHS. All three offices were originally placed at the department by Congress when it created the Education Department in 1979.

A senior department official, speaking on background, explained that the Education Department would still set policy for the programs, but the other departments would carry out operations. Education Department staff who work on the programs would remain in their roles, according to the official. However, critics argue this is selling off the Department of Education for parts and warn it will create more confusion, more mistakes and more barriers for students and families in need of support.

The shifting of responsibilities is a historic change for the 46-year-old agency that has been the central hub of federal grant-making, technical assistance and civil rights enforcement for schools and colleges. The moves are being made without Congress's consent, even though Congress explicitly located these offices inside the Education Department. Opponents say the White House cannot move their work without Congress's approval under the agency's enabling statute.

The Trump administration announced key priorities through a grant fund on Nov. 11, 2025, with officials stating, Under the Trump Administration, we are witnessing a transformative shift in higher education, one that is setting a new course for a brighter future. From restoring freedom of speech and fostering viewpoint diversity, to reimagining an archaic accreditation system and prioritizing workforce-driven programs, there is a growing recognition that bold, seismic change is essential to restoring confidence in our Nation's higher education system.

Ten universities are seeking recognition by a new accreditor as part of the administration's accreditation overhaul. The administration is pushing to dismantle the current accreditation system and replace it with one that prioritizes workforce-driven programs over traditional academic standards. Critics worry this shift from education expertise to labor workforce priorities will undermine educational quality and civil rights enforcement in schools.

The restructuring raises major concerns about the wellbeing of economically disadvantaged students, as K-12 programs that serve low-income families are now overseen by the Labor Department rather than education specialists. State and local education agencies that have worked with Education Department staff for decades will now navigate new bureaucratic structures across multiple agencies. The transition period creates uncertainty about grant applications, technical assistance, and civil rights complaint processes.