The Department of Education has slashed its workforce by nearly 50% as part of President Trump’s sweeping federal government reduction efforts, with over 1,300 employees terminated through a “reduction in force” process.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly half of the Education Department’s workforce has been eliminated, reducing staff from 4,133 to approximately 2,183 employees.
- Affected employees will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, plus severance pay or retirement benefits based on length of service.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated the cuts aim to enhance efficiency and accountability in the education system.
- The department has temporarily closed offices citing “security reasons” while employees with telework agreements can work remotely.
- The workforce reduction aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to shift education control to states and potentially abolish the department entirely.
Massive Workforce Reduction Underway
The Department of Education has initiated a substantial staffing reduction, terminating over 1,300 employees through a formal “reduction in force” process. This dramatic downsizing follows earlier voluntary departures of nearly 600 employees who had already left through programs like the Deferred Resignation Program and various buyout initiatives. The department’s workforce has shrunk from 4,133 employees in January to approximately 2,183 currently, representing a nearly 50% reduction in personnel.
Impacted employees have been placed on administrative leave beginning March 21 but will continue receiving full compensation and benefits until June 9. The department has also announced that affected staff will receive “substantial severance pay or retirement benefits based upon their length of service,” providing some financial cushion during the transition period.
BREAKING: The Education Department is about to initiate layoffs of about 50% of its workforce of 4,400 employees beginning Tuesday evening.
President Donald Trump has proposed eliminating the entire agency and returning education to the states.
Onward!https://t.co/cbcMzoTOjC
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 11, 2025
Security Concerns Prompt Office Closures
The Education Department has temporarily closed its offices throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area and beyond, citing unspecified “security reasons.” Employees with telework agreements have been instructed to work remotely during this closure period, while others have been directed to take their laptops home in preparation for the transition. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 has reported that some union officers have already lost access to their email accounts as part of the department-wide changes.
The department is working to identify teams deemed redundant or unnecessary for elimination as part of the restructuring. All divisions within the agency will face staffing reductions and potential reorganization as part of the broader effort. The administration is offering early retirement options and buyouts of up to $25,000 to further incentivize voluntary departures from the federal workforce.
Fulfilling Campaign Promises
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has framed the workforce reduction as a “significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.” The cuts align with President Trump’s campaign pledge to return education control to state and local authorities.
“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement addressing the cuts. She added, “Our job is to respect the will of the American people and the President they elected, who has tasked us with accomplishing the elimination of bureaucratic bloat here at the Department of Education — a momentous final mission — quickly and responsibly.”
Reports suggest President Trump may soon sign an executive order outlining steps to close the federal agency entirely. While the executive order would initiate the closure process, it is important to note that complete abolition of the department would still require congressional approval.
