Department of Education slashes half its workforce as the Trump administration takes a major step toward potentially dismantling the federal agency.
Quick Takes
- The Department of Education fired over 1,300 employees, reducing its staff by nearly 50%.
- Affected employees will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, plus severance packages.
- Secretary Linda McMahon states the cuts aim to improve efficiency while maintaining critical services.
- The move aligns with President Trump’s goal to potentially dissolve the department and return education control to states.
- Republicans support the cuts as addressing redundancy while Democrats warn of reduced resources for students.
Mass Downsizing Signals Potential Major Shift in Federal Education Role
In a sweeping reorganization effort, the Department of Education has announced the termination of 1,315 employees, reducing its total workforce by nearly half. The department’s staff will shrink from 4,133 to approximately 2,183 employees following the cuts. This dramatic reduction includes not only the direct layoffs but also 572 employees who accepted voluntary separation packages and 63 probationary workers who were terminated. The workforce reduction represents one of the most significant staff cuts at a federal agency in recent memory and signals a potential fundamental shift in the federal government’s role in education.
Department offices in Washington, D.C., and regional offices across the country were temporarily closed for security reasons following the announcement. Employees received “reduction in force” (RIF) notices beginning that evening., with those impacted being placed on administrative leave starting March 21. The department has guaranteed that affected staff will continue to receive their standard salary and benefits through June 9, along with severance and retirement benefits. This transition period is designed to provide displaced workers time to secure new employment.
The Department of Education initiated mass layoffs on Tuesday night, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%, sources told ABC News. https://t.co/BOtgmWDahO
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) March 12, 2025
McMahon: Critical Services Will Remain Unaffected
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has emphasized that despite the substantial reduction in personnel, the department’s core functions will not be compromised. According to McMahon, the layoffs will not impact critical services such as student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, or competitive grant making. These programs collectively represent the most visible and direct impact the department has on students and educational institutions nationwide. The department is responsible for enforcing non-discrimination policies, distributing federal financial aid, and supporting federal college loan programs that millions of Americans rely on.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has voiced support for the staff reductions, confirming that the cuts would not hinder the department’s ability to fulfill its statutory obligations. The downsizing affects every sector of the department but primarily targets internal roles rather than direct service positions. As part of the restructuring, six communications offices will be consolidated, and leases in major cities will be terminated. Additionally, the department’s buildings in Washington, D.C., will be consolidated, and telework agreements have largely been eliminated as the remaining workforce was called back to offices.
Political Divide Over Department’s Future
The staff reductions align with President Trump’s broader intention to potentially dismantle the Department of Education entirely, although such a move would require Congressional approval. The president is expected to issue an executive order aimed at dissolving the department, with the goal of returning education control to the states. However, completely eliminating the department would require 60 Senate votes, a difficult threshold to reach given Democratic opposition. The Education Department currently provides less than 10% of public school funding nationally, with the majority coming from state and local taxes.
The job cuts have sparked significant criticism from Democrats and education advocates. National Education Association President Becky Pringle condemned the layoffs, stating they harm students and educators across the nation. Former Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chair Senator Patty Murray argued the cuts rob students and teachers of necessary resources and support. Republicans counter that the reductions address redundancy and inefficiency in the federal bureaucracy, representing a step toward restoring local control of education which has been a long-held conservative principle.
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Education Department Fires 1,300 Workers, Gutting Its Staff
Education Department announces it’s cutting nearly 50% of workforce
Department of Education lays off nearly 50% of its workforce
