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| The U.S. Department of Education revealed on Tuesday that it is reducing its workforce by close to 50%, |
The U.S. Department of Education revealed on Tuesday that it is reducing its workforce by close to 50%, aligning with President Donald Trump's initiative to dismantle the agency completely.
The layoffs will begin Tuesday evening, supplementing the departures of employees who opted for voluntary "buyouts." These reductions will significantly cut down the department's staffing, which initially stood at approximately 4,100 employees when Trump took office.
“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” stated Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department.”
Later in the day, McMahon emphasized that these layoffs are the first step in dissolving the department, a goal Trump has pledged to accomplish. However, she acknowledged that the complete dismantling of the agency would necessitate congressional approval. In preparation for this effort, White House officials have drafted an executive order directing McMahon to commence the closure process.
During an interview on Fox News, McMahon was asked whether the layoffs signaled "the first step to a total shutdown." She responded, "Yes, actually it is, because that was the president’s mandate as directed to me clearly is to shut down the Department of Education." She further justified the decision, calling it an effort to remove "bureaucratic bloat."
Approximately 1,300 employees affected by the layoffs will officially lose their positions within 90 days, senior officials confirmed. Starting Wednesday, these employees will work remotely and then transition to paid administrative leave beginning March 21. The department has assured that severance packages will be determined based on an employee's tenure.
These reductions come on top of the recent dismissal of 63 probationary employees following a directive from the White House last month. Additionally, over 300 employees accepted voluntary separation incentives worth up to $25,000, while about 260 others opted for deferred resignation arrangements.
Federal Workforce Restructuring Continues
Tuesday's terminations are part of a broader pattern of workforce reductions across multiple government agencies, in line with Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to streamline federal operations.
Operational Adjustments and Office Closures
Senior officials assured reporters that these cuts would not disrupt federal student aid programs "in any way, shape or form," though some experts have raised concerns about the agency's ability to function effectively with such a drastic reduction in personnel.
A previous internal memo had informed employees that the department's offices would temporarily shut down due to unspecified "security reasons," a move related to the layoffs. Employees were advised to work remotely until Thursday.
According to one senior official, the affected employees will telework until March 21 "for safety reasons to protect the 2,183 employees that are going to remain after" the reductions are complete.
Additionally, several regional offices—including those in San Francisco and New York—are set to close as part of the restructuring, with the department ultimately planning to consolidate its operations into a single office in Washington, D.C., rather than the current three locations in the capital.
Shortly before employees were instructed to leave, security personnel were observed locking the doors at the Department of Education headquarters in Washington, D.C. The department is expected to reopen on Thursday.
Longtime employees remarked that they could not recall a time when all offices were shut down, even during visits from high-profile officials.
Employee Reactions and Union Opposition
Reports surfaced earlier indicating that many Department of Education employees were anxious about the impending mass layoffs and the executive order anticipated from Trump.
In an email addressed to the remaining employees, the agency acknowledged the significant transition ahead.
"There will need to be significant changes to the way that we work," the email stated.
"While your position was not directly affected, I understand that seeing valued colleagues and friends depart is never easy," wrote the agency’s chief human capital officer. "What we choose to prioritize, and in turn, not prioritize, will be critical in this transition."
Unions Express Concern Over Impact on Students
Unions representing both Education Department employees and teachers voiced their strong opposition to the layoffs on Tuesday, warning that they could have severe repercussions for the tens of millions of students who depend on the agency.
"What is clear from the past weeks of mass firings, chaos, and unchecked unprofessionalism is that this regime has no respect for the thousands of workers who have dedicated their careers to serve their fellow Americans," said Sheria Smith, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, in a statement. "It is also clear that there is a rampant disinformation campaign to mislead Americans about the actual services, resources, grants, and programs that the U.S. Department of Education provides to all Americans."
Another prominent teachers' union condemned both Trump and Musk for their extensive federal government overhaul that precipitated Tuesday's workforce reduction.
"The real victims will be our most vulnerable students," stated Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association.
Experts Weigh In
Some experts have cautioned that such a drastic workforce cut could pose risks to the department's ability to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
"If [Trump] says, 'We’re going to have a 50% reduction in staff,' there is reason to be concerned about how the system will work: Is that enough people?" remarked Neal McCluskey, director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute. "We’re going to learn whether or not they can do the job with fewer of them."
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