The U.S. Department of Education has announced plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 50%, cutting over 1,300 positions, with affected employees placed on administrative leave starting March 21.
The announcement comes just a week after the Senate confirmed Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s nominee, as the new Secretary of Education. Following her swearing-in, McMahon described the restructuring as the department’s “final mission.”
In a statement on Tuesday, McMahon emphasized that the workforce reduction aims to improve efficiency and accountability, ensuring that resources are better allocated to students, parents, and teachers. She also acknowledged the contributions of affected employees, calling the move a step toward restoring the U.S. education system’s greatness.
The restructuring will impact all divisions of the Department of Education, though key programs—including student loans, Pell Grants, special education funding, and competitive grant programs—will continue.
In addition to the layoffs, approximately 600 employees have voluntarily resigned or retired in the past two months. Once the cuts take effect, the department will be left with around 2,183 employees.
Impacted workers will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, along with severance or retirement benefits based on their length of service.
