A White House official explained Trump’s upcoming move
A White House official has confirmed that Donald Trump has more big changes in store for the Department of Education.
The Trump administration is taking bold action to streamline the Department of Education, declaring it plagued by “bureaucratic bloat” and in urgent need of reform—starting with a wave of major layoffs.
On March 11, the U.S. Department of Education announced a significant reduction in force (RIF), cutting nearly 50% of its workforce. This drastic move slashes approximately 1,950 jobs, leaving the department with just 2,183 employees. The administration argues that these cuts are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies and reshape the agency for a leaner, more effective future.
The U.S. Department of Education has confirmed that nearly 600 employees took voluntary resignation or retirement in the past seven weeks as part of the sweeping reduction in force (RIF). In a statement, the department detailed that 259 employees opted for the Deferred Resignation Program, while 313 accepted the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment.
But the shake-up doesn’t stop there. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, has revealed that Trump is set to take an even more drastic step—signing an executive order today (March 20) to shut down the Department of Education entirely.
According to a PA report, a White House fact sheet outlines that the order will direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States,” while ensuring essential programs and services remain intact.
Trump had long vowed to dismantle the department, and now, back in the White House, he appears to be making good on that promise.
In a 2023 campaign video, Trump made his intentions clear, declaring: “We’re going to end education coming out of Washington, DC. We’re going to close it up—all those buildings all over the place and people that in many cases hate our children. We’re going to send it all back to the states.” (via CNN).
Now, with the Department of Education facing mass layoffs and an impending shutdown, backlash is mounting. Critics argue that these cuts don’t serve students but instead dismantle essential support systems.
National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle condemned the move, stating: “Firing—without cause—nearly half of the Department of Education staff means they are getting rid of the dedicated public servants who help ensure our nation’s students have access to the programs and resources to keep class sizes down and expand learning opportunities for students so they can grow into their full brilliance.”
Meanwhile, the National Parents’ Union issued a sharp rebuke, calling the layoffs “not about fixing education” but about “making sure millions of children never get a fair shot.” They made their stance clear, adding, “And we’re not about to let that happen without a fight.” (via Associated Press).
As Trump pushes forward with his radical restructuring, the battle over the future of American education is just beginning.
