On March 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a significant policy shift, stating that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would take over the oversight of special education programs from the Department of Education. This move is part of Trump’s broader efforts to dismantle the Education Department, a goal he has pursued since taking office.
Background and Details
Trump made the announcement in the Oval Office, stating that HHS, under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would handle “special needs and all of the nutrition programs” previously managed by the Education Department. However, the plan lacks specifics regarding which programs will be moved, the transition process, and the timeline for implementation.
Legal and Practical Concerns
Critics argue that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally transfer special education oversight to HHS, as this would require Congressional approval. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures educational support for students with disabilities, is currently managed by the Education Department. Moving its oversight could undermine these protections and is seen as a potential threat to the legally required educational services for students with disabilities.
Reactions and Concerns
Advocates for students with disabilities express significant concerns about HHS’s readiness to manage these programs effectively. They fear that special education could become an afterthought within the large and diverse responsibilities of HHS, which includes managing Medicare, Medicaid, and responding to public health crises. Additionally, there are concerns about Secretary Kennedy’s suitability to oversee special education, given his past statements on autism.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s administration will proceed with the plan despite these obstacles. The plan faces multiple challenges, including legal hurdles and practical concerns about HHS’s capacity to handle the increased workload. Ultimately, the future of special education in the U.S. hangs in the balance, with many questioning whether this shift will enhance or diminish support for students with disabilities. The outcome will depend on how effectively these challenges are addressed and whether the necessary legal and political support can be secured.
Citations:
- https://youthtoday.org/2025/03/a-big-change-for-kids-with-disabilities-is-underway-trump-says-critics-say-its-against-the-law/
- https://www.k12dive.com/news/trump-mcmahon-special-education-move-to-hhs/743260/
- https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/parents-educators-worry-as-oversight-of-special-education-is-moved-to-hhs/
- https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/03/25/trump-says-ed-department-will-no-longer-handle-special-needs/31374/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/22/trump-students-disabilities-education-department-closing/80293592007/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/us/politics/trump-education-department-student-loans.html
- https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-says-rfk-jr-will-oversee-special-education-child-nutrition/2025/03
- https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/03/22/trump-says-education-department-will-not-oversee-students-with-disabilities/
- https://www.aalrr.com/newsroom-alerts-4123
- https://apnews.com/article/education-department-shut-down-mcmahon-37e3eceb8f7ae93e488ea33f8d970786
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/special-education-experts-worry-students-090113743.html
- https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-student-loans-special-programs-moved-new-departments/story?id=120032077
- https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/03/21/executive-order-aiming-to-close-ed-department-paves-way-to-offload-special-education/31370/
- https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5207597-trump-student-loans-sba-special-needs-disabled-students-hhs-mcmahon-kennedy/
- https://www.npr.org/2025/03/21/nx-s1-5336330/trump-education-department-student-loans-special-education-fsa
