Trump Education Dept. outsources more responsibilities, winds down

February 24, 2026 - 18:28

In a significant shift of federal responsibilities, the U.S. Department of Education is formally transferring several of its core programs to other government agencies. This move coincides with the ongoing wind-down of the agency under the current administration's restructuring plans.

Officials confirmed that oversight of foreign gift and contract reporting by universities and colleges will now be managed in partnership with the State Department. This critical transparency function, which tracks billions in foreign funding to U.S. institutions, is being relocated to align with broader diplomatic monitoring efforts.

Simultaneously, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will assume responsibility for major family engagement and comprehensive school support programs. These initiatives, which focus on community involvement and student well-being, are considered a better fit within HHS's existing social service and public health framework.

The reassignment of these duties marks a continued consolidation of the federal bureaucracy, reducing the Education Department's direct operational footprint. Proponents argue this streamlines government by placing functions within agencies deemed more thematically appropriate. Critics, however, express concern about the dissolution of a dedicated cabinet-level focus on education policy and the potential for fragmented oversight as programs are dispersed elsewhere in the government. The long-term impact on the administration of these services remains a focal point for educators and policymakers.