Education Department Announces Major Layoffs Amid Dismantling Plans
The U.S. Education Department is set to lay off approximately 1,300 employees, nearly half its workforce, reflecting the Trump administration's plan to reduce federal government size.
Republicans have sought to dismantle the Education Department for decades, and President Trump is expected to issue an executive order directing McMahon to begin dissolving the department.
Education Department announces it's cutting nearly 50% of workforce
CBS News·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The Department of Education said on Tuesday that it's firing over 1,300 employees, leaving the agency with just over half the number of workers that were in place before President Donald Trump's took office for his second term.
The Department of Education is firing over 1,300 workers
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The department is also terminating leases on buildings in cities including New York, Boston, Chicago and Cleveland, officials said.
Department of Education to lay off nearly half its workforce – US politics live
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The discussions included transferring key responsibilities to other federal departments, as well as moving funds and oversight to the states.
Education Department prepares to lay off roughly half its staff
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The battle now could now shift to how small the department can become before a court says it is interfering with mandated requirements from Congress.
Department of Education lays off nearly half of workforce
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The $400 million in funding represents about 30% of Columbia's annual government contracts, according to the university's 2024 public financial statement.
Ivy League school faces 'critical' cuts as Trump halts $400 million in funding
USA TODAY·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The layoffs are part of a dramatic downsizing directed by Trump as he moves to reduce the footprint of the federal government.
Education Department plans to lay off 1,300 employees as Trump vows to wind the agency down
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Department employees have spent the past several weeks anticipating sweeping staff cuts by the Trump administration.
U.S. Education Department says it is cutting nearly half of all staff
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The reconstruction of the department will "profoundly" alter staff, budgets and agency operations.
Nearly half of Department of Education staff will be eliminated imminently
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Summary
The U.S. Department of Education is reducing its workforce by almost 50%, laying off over 1,300 employees. This marks an effort connected to the Trump administration’s plan to scale back federal agencies. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated this is to enhance efficiency and ensure effective resource allocation for students and teachers. The layoffs are part of a broader agenda to dismantle the agency, although the agency will continue to deliver federal programs. Democrats express concern about the impact on educational resources and services for students.
Perspectives
The Department of Education is cutting its workforce by nearly 50% as part of an effort led by the Trump administration to dismantle the agency, raising concerns about its ability to perform essential functions.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon claims that the layoffs are aimed at increasing efficiency and accountability, emphasizing that essential services like federal aid, student loan management, and oversight for special needs students will continue.
The layoffs come amid a broader context of federal downsizing across multiple agencies as part of Trump's commitment to reducing government size, while critics raise alarms about the potential negative impact on critical educational services.