The Department of Education in Washington, Feb. 4, 2025. Officials with the Education Department told employees in its Office of Civil Rights that Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team was scrutinizing the department’s operations, the latest sign of the billionaire’s expanding influence, which already stretches into more than half a dozen government agencies. (Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times)

In a move that has captured attention across the US government, Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has expanded its reach into the US Department of Education. This latest development follows DOGE’s involvement in restructuring various federal agencies, and now it appears the Education Department is under scrutiny for potential reforms. Sources within the department confirm that Musk’s team has begun reviewing its operations, sparking curiosity about what changes may lie ahead for the nation’s schools.
A senior Education Department official disclosed that DOGE’s involvement could signal a shift in the department’s priorities. The official, speaking anonymously to the USA Today, stated that the review process is still in its early stages, with no clear indication yet of specific alterations to policies or staff. However, the task force’s growing influence over federal operations is already raising questions about how it could affect educational standards, policies on discrimination, and the overall direction of school governance.
Reworking civil rights enforcement and priorities
One of the most significant areas of change appears to be the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Education Department, which enforces anti-discrimination laws on campuses. According to USA Today, Craig Trainor, the new acting assistant secretary for OCR, has already signaled a sharp shift in priorities. The office, under Trainor’s leadership, will reportedly focus its resources on addressing complaints related to antisemitism on campuses, moving away from investigations into book bans or LGBTQ-inclusive policies that had previously been a focus under the Biden administration.
Trainor, who was appointed by President Trump, emphasized the agency’s shift in a virtual meeting with department staff. As quoted by USA Today, he explained that the changes align with the broader objectives of the Trump administration, marking a departure from the more liberal stance taken during the Biden years. This change has sparked debates within the Education Department and beyond, with some employees already put on administrative leave as a result of new executive orders banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in federal agencies.
Implications for American schools
The larger question remains: What does all of this mean for American schools? If DOGE’s evaluation results in significant policy shifts or restructuring, it could have widespread effects on how schools address issues like discrimination, inclusivity, and educational content. While no concrete changes have been confirmed yet, the direction the task force takes will likely influence educational landscapes for years to come. As reported by USA Today, many are watching closely to see if Musk’s vision for government efficiency will reshape how federal agencies like the Education Department function moving forward.