BREAKING: US Department of Education announces reduction of 50% of its workforce

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it will be cutting nearly 50% of the department’s workforce, representing more than 1,300 positions.

According to the announcement, the affected staff will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21st, 2025.

Recall that the Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to be the next secretary of the department.

Following her swearing-in last week, McMahon said, “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,” McMahon said in the Tuesday statement.

According to the announcement, the reduction in force will impact all divisions within the department, with some divisions requiring significant reorganization to better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.

“The Department of Education will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grant making,” the announcement says.

In addition to the more than 1,300 positions impacted by this reduction in force, about 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired over the last two months, according to the department.

According to the release, all impacted employees will receive full pay and benefits until June 9th, as well as substantial severance pay, or retirement benefits based on their length of service.