By Gwurld4026 
Major Staff Cuts at U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,300 employees, effectively reducing its workforce by nearly half. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s initiative to dismantle the department, a move he argues is necessary due to the agency being “overtaken by radicals, zealots, and Marxists.”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon, appointed on March 3, 2025, is overseeing these reductions. The department’s staff will decrease from around 4,100 to approximately 2,300 employees. Despite these significant cuts, McMahon assures that essential functions, such as the distribution of federal aid and management of student loans, will continue.
Critics, including Democratic leaders and education advocates, argue that these layoffs could undermine public education and negatively impact students, particularly those from low-income communities. The National Education Association (NEA) expressed concerns that reducing the department’s resources could be detrimental to millions of students who rely on its services and support.
While the administration is preparing an executive order to initiate the department’s closure, legal experts note that abolishing a federal department requires congressional approval. Given the current political landscape, achieving the necessary support in Congress presents a significant challenge.
Laid-off employees are scheduled to be placed on administrative leave starting March 21, 2025.