The US Department of Education is set to lay off nearly 2,100 employees as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to downsize the federal government. The mass layoffs, which will affect approximately half of the department’s workforce, will take effect from March 21.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed the cuts, stating that all divisions within the department would be impacted. She emphasized that the decision was made to “better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.”
The department, which employs over 4,000 people and has an annual budget of around $238 billion, administers public school funding, student loans, and programs supporting low-income students. While some conservatives have long advocated for dismantling the agency, such a move would require congressional approval.
Following the layoffs, 2,183 employees will remain, including those who retired or took voluntary buyouts earlier in the year. Affected workers will continue receiving pay and benefits until June 9, along with severance or retirement packages.
Despite the workforce reduction, the department assured that core programs—including student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, and competitive grants—would continue as mandated by law.
Reports indicate that Trump has considered signing an executive order affecting the department, though no action has been taken yet. Past efforts to restructure or abolish the department have faced legal challenges and political resistance, with Congress holding the power to make such changes.
The layoffs have sparked strong opposition, particularly from the American Federation of Teachers. Union president Randi Weingarten condemned the cuts, calling them an “attack on opportunity” that would disrupt federal education programs nationwide. She urged Congress and the courts to intervene to prevent further damage to the agency’s ability to support students and educators.
