In a drastic move, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced Tuesday that 1,315 employees at the U.S. Department of Education will be laid off. This is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to dismantle the agency, sparking concerns of potential legal challenges.
A senior department official confirmed that the affected employees were notified on Tuesday. When President Trump began his second term, the department had more than 4,000 employees. However, even before this announcement, hundreds had already been placed on leave. After these latest cuts, the department will be left with only 2,183 employees.
The official reassured the public that key services would remain unaffected by the layoffs. This includes programs like student aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), funding to states, and services for students with disabilities. Investigations into civil rights issues and other congressionally mandated tasks will continue without disruption.
These layoffs are part of a broader effort to streamline internal operations, according to the department. “Every part of the department will be impacted in some way, but this is primarily a move to streamline internal rules, not reduce external-facing roles,” the official explained. Some areas of the department, such as strategic communications, are being consolidated to make operations more efficient.
The announcement followed a directive for all employees to leave the office by 6 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, with offices remaining closed on Wednesday due to “security reasons.” The department stated that the decision was made to ensure the safety of the remaining staff. Those who were laid off will be scheduled to return by March 21 to gather their personal items.
Although President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to eliminate the Education Department, doing so would require approval from Congress. This is seen as unlikely due to the 60-vote threshold needed in the Senate. However, Secretary McMahon and the Trump administration still have significant power to reduce the department’s scope and impact.
Upon her confirmation, McMahon sent a memo to department staff warning of significant layoffs and changes, saying, “Removing red tape and bureaucratic barriers will empower parents to make the best educational choices for their children.”
Legal experts are now raising concerns about how far the department can be cut without violating its obligations to fulfill duties mandated by Congress. Neal McCluskey, director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute, stated, “The president can fire people within the budget, but if too many are let go and the department can’t perform its tasks, that would violate the Constitution.”
The layoffs have already spurred calls for legal action to preserve the department. Advocates were preparing to challenge the Trump administration’s plans, particularly after reports surfaced that an executive order to dismantle the department was being considered, only for those plans to be canceled.
Julie Margetta Morgan, a former deputy under secretary of Education under the Biden administration, said, “Any effort to dismantle the department will be challenged in court, and those challenges will likely succeed.” She also added that eliminating the department is deeply unpopular, and it’s crucial for the public to continue voicing their concerns and holding policymakers accountable.
