The Department of Education has slashed half its workforce in a massive layoff affecting over 1,300 employees, with the remaining staff facing a radical restructuring of operations and priorities.
Quick Takes
- 1,315 Department of Education employees will lose their positions, reducing the workforce from 4,133 to approximately 2,183.
- Affected workers will receive full pay and benefits through June 9, along with severance packages.
- The cuts align with President Trump’s goal to potentially dismantle the department and return education control to states.
- Secretary Linda McMahon insists critical services like student loans, Pell Grants, and special needs funding will not be impacted.
Dramatic Workforce Reduction
In a sweeping move that has sent shockwaves through Washington, the Department of Education announced the termination of 1,315 employees, nearly halving its total workforce. Beyond these direct layoffs, an additional 572 employees accepted separation packages, and 63 probationary workers were terminated, bringing the total reduction to nearly 2,000 positions. The department’s workforce will shrink from 4,133 to approximately 2,183 employees, representing one of the most significant downsizings in the department’s history. “Reduction in force” (RIF) notices began going out at 6 p.m., with offices in Washington, D.C. and regional locations temporarily closed for security reasons following the announcement.
The restructuring impacts virtually every sector of the department, though it primarily targets internal administrative roles. Six communications offices will be consolidated into one, and department leases in major cities will end as part of the downsizing. Department buildings in Washington, D.C. will also be consolidated, with employees told to take their laptops home during the transition. Telework agreements that had been in place for many employees have been largely eliminated, with the remaining workforce called back to offices.
The Department of Education initiated mass layoffs on Tuesday night, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%, sources told ABC News. https://t.co/BOtgmWDahO
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) March 12, 2025
Transition Support for Affected Employees
The department has outlined a transition plan for the affected employees, who will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21. These workers will continue to receive their full salaries and benefits until June 9, after which they will be eligible for severance and retirement benefits. The abrupt nature of the layoffs prompted department officials to close buildings temporarily as a security precaution, though offices were scheduled to reopen the following day. Many employees have expressed concerns about job security and potential repercussions for challenging decisions during this period of upheaval.
The remaining employees received an email detailing significant changes in work priorities going forward. Department leadership has emphasized that despite the substantial reduction in personnel, core functions will continue uninterrupted. Senator Bill Cassidy, supporting the move, confirmed that the cuts would not hinder the department’s “ability to carry out its statutory obligations,” suggesting that redundancies were being eliminated rather than essential services.
Political Implications and Future Direction
The massive layoffs align with President Trump’s campaign promise to potentially dismantle the Department of Education entirely, returning control of education to state and local governments. While these cuts represent a significant step in that direction, completely eliminating the department would require congressional approval with 60 Senate votes, a difficult threshold to reach given Democratic opposition. Instead, the administration appears to be pursuing a strategy of dramatically reducing the department’s scope and influence through executive action.
The Department of Education, which accounts for less than 10% of public school funding nationwide (with most education dollars coming from state and local taxes), has been a frequent target of conservative criticism. Secretary McMahon has repeatedly assured stakeholders that critical functions will continue unaffected, including student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, and competitive grant making. Democrats have strongly criticized the move, with former Senate HELP Committee chair Patty Murray arguing that the cuts will rob “students and teachers of the resources and support they need.”
Sources:
Education Department Fires 1,300 Workers, Gutting Its Staff
Education Department announces it’s cutting nearly 50% of workforce
Department of Education lays off nearly 50% of its workforce
