Donald Trump has been accused of having ‘abandoned students, parents, and educators across the nation’
The Department of Education has initiated its reduction in the workforce to target ‘bureaucratic bloat’.
On March 11, the U.S. Department of Education announced a significant reduction in force (RIF) that will impact nearly 50% of its workforce. In a press release, the Department revealed that when President Trump took office as the 47th President of the United States, the workforce numbered 4,133 employees. Following this RIF, the number will be reduced to approximately 2,183 workers—representing a loss of about 1,950 positions.
The release further highlighted that nearly 600 employees had already voluntarily resigned or retired over the past seven weeks. Specifically, 259 employees chose the Deferred Resignation Program, while 313 employees took advantage of the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment.
Remaining staff members affected by the reduction will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon also shared a statement, underscoring the Department’s commitment to navigating this challenging transition.
McMahon stated, “Today’s reduction in force underscores the Department of Education’s dedication to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are focused where they matter most: on students, parents, and teachers.”
She continued, “I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated public servants and acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the Department.”
“This marks a crucial step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
During an appearance on The Ingraham Angle with Laura Ingraham on Fox News, McMahon elaborated, explaining that the layoffs were in line with President Trump’s “mandate” and “directive” to “shut down the Department of Education.”
Indeed, in one of his campaign videos, Trump stated, “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 who, in many cases, hate our children. We’re going to send it all back to the states.”
McMahon further emphasized, as reported by The Blaze, “What we did today is take the first step in eliminating what I believe is bureaucratic bloat. […] We focused on keeping the right people, the good people, to ensure that the outward-facing programs, grants, and appropriations from Congress are being met, and nothing will fall through the cracks.”
In response to the massive layoffs, National Education Association President Becky Pringle issued a statement, as quoted by ABC News: “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 needed to keep class sizes down and expand learning opportunities. These efforts empower students to reach their full potential. The Trump administration has abandoned students, parents, and educators across the nation.”
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, expressed her concerns on MSNBC, calling the shutdown of the Education Department a “disaster” and a move that “takes opportunity away from kids who don’t have it.” In contrast, McMahon argued that the president’s efforts were focused on “removing the bureaucracy from education so that more money can flow to the states.”
During her interview with Ingraham, McMahon explained: “Better education is closest to the kids—working with parents, local superintendents, and school boards. I believe we’ll see improvements in student performance when we can educate them with the input of their parents as well.”
