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Department of Education takes major step in dismantling itself: Sources

It plans to move special education and civil rights functions to HHS and DOJ.

Published June 16, 2026, 4:45 PM
Updated June 16, 2026, 4:55 PM4.0K
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 Department of Education takes major step in dismantling itself: Sources

The Department of Education is expected to announce a major step in the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency -- moving special education services and civil rights responsibilities to the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice (DOJ), respectively, according to sources familiar.

The sources told ABC News the HHS is expected to receive the Offices of Special Education Programming (OSEP) and Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA). The Justice Department will be responsible for the agency’s civil rights oversight. Transferring the offices will impact millions of students and families, including 7 million people who receive around $15 billion in grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the law creating free and appropriate education for children with disabilities.

President Donald Trump campaigned in 2024 on closing the agency.

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