The US Department of Education is set to reduce its workforce by half, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the federal government. Nearly 2,100 employees will be put on leave starting March 21st. President Trump has long aimed to abolish the department, a goal supported by some conservatives, but such a move would require congressional approval. The department, with an annual budget of around $238 billion, currently employs over 4,000 people. Established in 1979, it oversees funding for public schools, manages student loans, and administers programs for low-income students.
Despite common misconceptions, the Department of Education does not operate US schools or set curricula, as those responsibilities lie with the states and local districts. Only about 13% of funding for primary and secondary schools comes from federal sources, with the majority coming from states and local groups. The agency also plays a key role in managing federal student loans used by millions to finance higher education.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the workforce reduction, affecting approximately half of the department’s employees, to enhance services for students, parents, educators, and taxpayers. Following the cuts, the department will retain 2,183 staff members, including those who retired or participated in a buyout program earlier this year. Affected employees will receive their regular pay and benefits until June 9th, as well as a severance package or retirement pay based on their tenure.
The department will continue to fulfill its statutory obligations, including funding programs, student loans, Pell Grants, support for special needs students, and competitive grant allocations. Although there are reports that President Trump has considered taking executive action on the Department of Education, no such order has been issued yet. Trump’s previous executive orders and agency budget cuts have faced legal challenges, as have actions by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to streamline government operations.
Calls to abolish the Education Department have circulated among Republicans for years, with President Ronald Reagan advocating for its dismantling in 1980. However, dismantling the department would require congressional action, necessitating bipartisan support in the current political climate. Many conservatives advocate for decentralizing education and granting more authority to states and local governments in educational matters.
In a strong rebuke, the teachers’ union has denounced the budget cuts slashing through the Education Department. The union’s president, Randi Weingarten, expressed grave concerns over the significant downsizing that threatens to dismantle the agency’s capacity to assist students, plunging federal education initiatives into disarray nationwide. Weingarten urged for urgent intervention from both Congress and the judiciary to address this critical issue.
