The Education Department gave another agency power to distribute its money. It hasn't gone well.

A controversial push to restructure federal education programs under the Trump administration has faced significant hurdles, raising questions about whether broader reforms—including a high-profile proposal to dismantle key departments—can still gain traction. Early missteps in consolidating oversight of workforce training and job placement initiatives have exposed internal divisions and practical challenges, complicating the White House’s broader agenda. Critics argue the delays highlight deeper uncertainties about the feasibility of sweeping administrative changes, while supporters maintain the effort remains a priority. The outcome could hinge on whether policymakers can resolve implementation gaps before moving forward with more sweeping restructuring plans.

The stumbles of an early Trump administration experiment to carve up the Education Department risks undercutting the president’s more dramatic demolition plan for the agency. The Labor Department ...