Trump Administration Cuts Education Department Workforce by Nearly 50%

The layoffs mark a significant step toward President Trump's goal of reducing federal oversight in education and shifting control to states.

More than 1,300 Department of Education employees were terminated on Tuesday, with an additional 600 employees leaving through voluntary buyouts and early retirement programs.
The department's workforce will shrink from 4,133 to 2,183 employees in line with the administration's long-term goal of potentially abolishing the agency.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the restructuring aims to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and redirect resources to students, parents, and teachers.
Critics, including education advocates and unions, warn that the cuts will harm vulnerable students by reducing support for special education, low-income families, and civil rights protections.
The layoffs come as part of a broader federal government downsizing initiative, with affected employees receiving severance packages and administrative leave through June 2025.