The Department of Education will begin layoffs tonight with about half of its 4,400 employees expected to be let go

Trump Administration Slashes Education Department Workforce as Agency Moves Toward Closure

The U.S. Department of Education has announced plans to lay off nearly half of its employees as President Donald Trump advances his pledge to dismantle the agency.

In a statement released Tuesday, the department confirmed that staff reductions will take effect March 21, bringing the total workforce down to approximately 2,183 employees. Affected workers will be placed on administrative leave.

Despite the cuts, the department assured that “all statutory programs” under its authority—including student loans and special education funding—will continue to operate.

Part of a Broader Government Downsizing

The move follows similar mass layoffs across federal agencies, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as part of a sweeping effort to reduce the size of the federal government.

“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring resources are directed where they matter most: students, parents, and teachers,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.

“I appreciate the contributions of our dedicated public servants. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”

McMahon Confirms Plan to Abolish Department

Speaking later on Fox News, McMahon—the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—confirmed that the ultimate goal is to eliminate the department entirely.

“That was the president’s mandate,” McMahon said. “His directive to me is to shut down the Department of Education, which we know will require congressional approval.”

She described the layoffs as targeting “bureaucratic bloat” while preserving “outward-facing programs” such as grants.

Trump’s Longstanding Pledge to Abolish the Education Department

Trump has long advocated for shutting down the Department of Education, arguing that it has been infiltrated by radicals and should be replaced by state and local control.

“I told Linda, I want her to put herself out of a job,” Trump said last month when asked about the agency’s future.

Education in the U.S. is primarily funded and administered by states and local governments, with the federal government accounting for just 8% of funding for elementary and secondary schools.