The U.S. Department of Education announced on November 18, 2025, that it has entered into six new interagency agreements with four federal agencies as part of an effort to decentralize the federal education bureaucracy and return more control to the states. The partnerships involve the Departments of Labor (DOL), Interior (DOI), Health and Human Services (HHS), and State.
According to the Department, these agreements are designed to streamline federal education activities by leveraging each agency’s administrative expertise and reducing redundant processes. The goal is to make federally funded programs more efficient for students, families, and grantees.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, "The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states. Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission. As we partner with these agencies to improve federal programs, we will continue to gather best practices in each state through our 50-state tour, empower local leaders in K-12 education, restore excellence to higher education, and work with Congress to codify these reforms. Together, we will refocus education on students, families, and schools – ensuring federal taxpayer spending is supporting a world-class education system."
Among the new initiatives is the Elementary and Secondary Education Partnership between ED and DOL. This partnership aims to give parents and states greater authority while aligning K-12 programs with workforce development efforts. Under this agreement, DOL will manage certain aspects of K-12 programs such as competitions and technical assistance under ED oversight.
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer commented: “The Labor Department is committed to working with the Department of Education to ensure our K-12 and postsecondary education programs prepare students for today and tomorrow’s workforce demands. Parents and community leaders understand how important training and education are for students from all walks of life to succeed and support their local economies. Secretary McMahon and I will continue advancing President Trump's vision to deliver effective, streamlined resources, so every student has a clear pathway from education to opportunity.”
A similar partnership focuses on postsecondary education grant programs authorized under the Higher Education Act. DOL will take on increased responsibility for administering most grants in this area as well.
For Native American communities, ED has established an Indian Education Partnership with DOI aimed at improving educational outcomes for Native youth across elementary, secondary, higher education, career training, and vocational rehabilitation sectors.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: "Under President Donald Trump, Native American education programs will become stronger, more accountable, and fully dedicated to ensuring Native students are prepared for success. Through a vital partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of the Interior will assume administration for enhancing Indian education programs, streamlining operations, and refocusing efforts to better serve Native youth and adults across the nation. Today is just the beginning of a brighter future where Native students and their communities are empowered with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive for generations to come."
Another collaboration between ED and HHS involves evaluating foreign medical school accreditation standards compared with those in U.S.-based institutions.
Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill stated: “Medical education must incorporate timely rigorous science on nutrition metabolism and all medical subjects. Secretary Kennedy is leading the charge with American medical schools and HHS will encourage foreign medical schools through this partnership.”
Additionally partnering on child care access issues affecting college student-parents via CCAMPIS program management efficiencies:
Alex J. Adams from HHS remarked: “The Trump Administration is streamlining unnecessary bureaucracy and cutting red tape to allow us to serve more student-parents across college campuses...Our partnership with the Department of Education will ensure families have access to childcare options that meet their needs and can accelerate their educational and economic success."
Finally,the International Education & Foreign Language Studies Partnership between ED & State transfers Fulbright-Hays program administration responsibilities from ED over to State Dept., aligning international academic exchange programming more closely with U.S national security priorities.
Sarah Rogers at State said:“Shifting administration...to State...will help advance President Trump’s agenda.With its unmatched global reach...State Dept.will strengthen & streamline these programs while equipping American students & professionals w/skills critical...Thanks to President Trump’s bold vision,we’re cutting red tape so that our foreign policy tools deliver maximum results..."
These agreements build upon previous efforts including an earlier workforce development collaboration between ED & DOL which integrated related systems at federal level,reducing state-level administrative complexity.
