Trump Administration Plans Major Cuts to Education Department Workforce

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education plans to lay off more than 1,300 employees, effectively cutting its workforce by nearly 50 percent, as part of the Trump administration’s strategy to eliminate the agency. This announcement comes as discussions intensify regarding an executive order that would completely dissolve the department, which oversees student loans, civil rights enforcement, and funding for low-income schools.

The Education Department’s official statement, released on Tuesday, indicated that the workforce reduction will affect all divisions within the agency. Employees impacted by the layoffs will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21. Currently, the department employs approximately 4,400 people, making it the smallest cabinet-level agency.

Trump has long aimed to dismantle the Education Department, asserting that educational authority should lie with individual states rather than federal bureaucrats. In a news conference on March 12, he stated, “The states can run education,” criticizing the agency for allegedly promoting what he called inappropriate ideologies in schools.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, appointed in the wake of these initiatives, indicated that the staff reductions are part of an effort to improve efficiency and redirect funding to local education systems. “We need to make sure the money goes to the states,” she remarked.

The anticipated cuts reflect an ongoing trend within the Trump administration to downsize federal departments and streamline government functions. However, the practicality of these reductions raises significant concerns, particularly regarding the continuity of federal student aid, equitable access to education, and the enforcement of civil rights protections.

Despite Trump’s commitment to dismantling the department, the move has drawn criticism from educators and civil rights advocates alike. Sheria Smith, president of the AFGE Local 252 union, emphasized the detrimental impact these layoffs would have on ensuring students’ rights, especially for those with disabilities. “This reckless action strips students of vital resources,” she stated, highlighting fears that crucial protections against discrimination may weaken.

Statistics reveal that the Department of Education was allocated approximately $238 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, amounting to less than 2 percent of the overall federal budget. Most funding for K-12 education in the U.S. comes from state and local governments, with the Education Data Initiative estimating total spending on primary and secondary education at over $857 billion in 2024.

The proposed executive order encountered skepticism regarding its viability. Experts explain that while Trump can initiate cuts through executive action, an outright abolition of the department would require congressional approval, a challenging feat considering Democrats currently control the House of Representatives.

McMahon acknowledged during her confirmation hearings that only Congress can officially abolish the Education Department but signaled her intent to initiate significant cuts and a reorganization. As the closure of regional offices begins on Wednesday, impacted employees received an email instructing them to work from home while the headquarters remains closed for “security reasons.”

While Trump has repeatedly criticized the agency for perceived failures, including the accusation that it promotes ‘woke’ ideologies, opponents argue that dismantling it could exacerbate existing educational inequalities. There are concerns that the rollback of essential student support services and civil rights enforcement could disproportionately affect students of color and low-income families.

As the administration progresses with its plans, the implications for the broader educational landscape remain unclear. Advocates are calling on Congress to act swiftly to safeguard the integrity and funding of the federal education framework, ensuring that equity and support for all students remain priorities.