United States: The US Department of Education is set to lay off nearly 2,100 employees as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to decline the size of the federal government. The move will take effect on March 21.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the cuts would affect all divisions of the department and were aimed at improving service for students, parents, educators, and taxpayers. The department, which currently employs over 4,000 people, will see its workforce shrink by nearly half, leaving around 2,183 employees. Some reductions include individuals who retired or accepted buyout offers earlier this year.
Despite the significant staffing cuts, McMahon confirmed that the agency would continue to oversee federal student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, and other statutory programmes. Employees who are laid off will continue receiving pay and benefits until June 9, along with severance packages or retirement advantages based on tenure.
The Education Department, established in 1979, has long been a target for conservative policymakers advocating for a more decentralized education system. While previous Republican administrations have sought to eliminate the department, doing so would require congressional approval—a hurdle that stays given the current political landscape.
Trump and other conservatives have also criticized the department’s policies on gender and race, accusing it of fostering a “woke” agenda. The president has reportedly considered signing an executive order related to the agency, though no formal action has been taken.
The decision has sparked backlash from educators and unions, with the American Federation of Teachers condemning the layoffs as an attack on opportunity. AFT President Randi Weingarten stated that, “This will gut the agency and throw federal education programs into chaos across the country.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk, has also faced scrutiny for its aggressive efforts to slash government spending. The initiative has led to multiple lawsuits questioning its authority and methods.
As the administration moves forward with these cuts, the fate of federal education oversight and funding remains a controversial issue in Washington.
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