US: The US Department of Education is set to lay off nearly half of its workforce, as part of the Trump Administration’s broader effort to shrink the federal government.
The move will see around 2,100 employees placed on leave starting March 21, reducing the department’s staff from over 4,000 to just over 2,100 employees.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed the cuts, describing the action as necessary to “better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.” She emphasized that the layoffs would affect all divisions within the department, which has an annual budget of approximately $238 billion.
The Department of Education, established in 1979, is responsible for overseeing funding for public schools, administering student loans, and supporting low-income students.
Despite its significant role, the department’s direct influence over public schooling is limited, as states and local districts set curricula and operate schools. Federal funds account for only about 13 percent of primary and secondary school funding, with the majority coming from state and local sources.
In an internal notice, employees were informed that those affected by the layoffs would continue receiving normal pay and benefits until June 9. They will also be offered severance packages or retirement pay based on their tenure.
The American Federation of Teachers strongly condemned the cuts, with union president Randi Weingarten calling it “an opportunity attack” that would throw federal education programs into chaos.
Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), led by Elon Musk, has reportedly been involved in reducing federal agency staff and streamlining operations.
The latest round of layoffs at the Education Department marks one of the most significant reductions in the federal workforce under the Trump administration.
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