Trump plans 50% workforce cuts in Education Department, 2,200 jobs affected

The Trump administration has initiated significant layoffs at the Department of Education (DOE), cutting nearly 50% of its workforce, which has raised concerns about the agency's ability to manage federal education programs effectively. President Trump justified the cuts by claiming many employees were not performing their duties, although these assertions lack substantiation. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon supports the downsizing, framing it as a move to eliminate 'bureaucratic bloat' despite warnings that such cuts may undermine vital functions like monitoring educational funds. These layoffs are part of a broader strategy to reduce federal workforce across multiple agencies, signaling a potential dismantling of the DOE as Trump pushes to return education control to the states. Critics argue that the cuts threaten students nationwide and highlight a hypocrisy in Trump's claims against the agency's influence over educational policies. The firings, which will see affected employees placed on leave starting March 21, are expected to continue as the administration finalizes plans for further reductions across federal agencies.