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U.S. Department of Education to Cut 50% of Workforce as Part of Federal Downsizing

The Trump administration accelerates efforts to reduce federal agencies, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon tasked with dismantling her own department.

Le bâtiment abritant le ministère américain de l’Éducation à Washington DC.
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La ministre américaine de l’Éducation, Linda McMahon, le 13 février 2025.

Overview

  • The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 50%, cutting staff from 4,100 to approximately 2,200 employees.
  • Affected employees will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21, as part of a broader federal downsizing initiative led by the Trump administration.
  • Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed the layoffs are a step toward dismantling the department, fulfilling a longstanding campaign promise by President Donald Trump.
  • The restructuring aims to save $500 million annually and shift educational responsibilities to individual states, which already oversee most education policies.
  • Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and teacher unions, warn the move could harm public education, particularly in underprivileged areas reliant on federal funding.