Education Secretary McMahon Announces Major Staff Cuts in Department Overhaul

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced significant staffing cuts at the Department of Education, framing them as the first steps toward eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies and dismantling the department, as per President Trump's directive. Over 1,300 employees received layoff notices, reducing the department's workforce from over 4,000 to about 2,200, while those laid off will retain pay and benefits through early June. McMahon emphasized the goal of redirecting more resources to states and local school systems to improve educational outcomes, rejecting criticisms from the American Federation of Teachers, which described the cuts as 'cowardly'. She stated that the agency would continue to manage essential programs and funding despite the layoffs, which are part of a broader effort to reshape federal involvement in education. Critics, including Randi Weingarten, argue that dismantling the department could have detrimental effects on national education standards and resources. The Trump administration’s ultimate aim remains a total shutdown of the department, which would require Congressional approval.