The Trump administration is set to drastically reduce the size of the US Department of Education, with nearly 50 percent of the department’s workforce slated to be cut.
This move, initiated by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, is part of President Donald Trump’s broader plan to overhaul the US federal government and decentralise education by devolving powers to state governments.
Just five days into her tenure, McMahon revealed that the decision was in line with Trump’s directive to “shut down the Department of Education” — a process that will require Congressional approval.
McMahon, formerly the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, told Fox News that the move was the “first step” in eliminating what she described as “bureaucratic bloat.”
The department currently employs around 4,100 people, a figure that has already been reduced by nearly 600 due to resignations and retirements in recent weeks.
A further 1,300 employees will be placed on administrative leave by March 21, with pay continuing until June. This staff reduction is expected to affect all areas of the department, which manages student loans, monitors student achievements, and enforces civil rights in education.
While McMahon’s plan is part of Trump’s efforts to reduce what he has called an inefficient bureaucracy, critics argue that this move could negatively impact education programs, particularly those that provide essential funding for low-income students and civil rights protections.
The Department of Education’s role in primary and secondary school funding is small compared to state and local contributions, but it plays a key role in financing programs for disadvantaged students.
McMahon confirmed that essential programs, such as student loans, Pell Grants, and special education funding, would continue, but acknowledged that other divisions within the department would be significantly reorganised.
Opponents of the plan, particularly Democrats, argue that this will harm students and teachers. Senator Patty Murray, the former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, criticised the decision, saying it would lead to fewer resources for schools and students.
“Instead, Donald Trump is taking a wrecking ball to the Department of Education and robbing our students and teachers of the resources and support they need,” Murray stated.
While McMahon and Trump see this as part of a necessary streamlining of government operations, critics contend that the long-term consequences could undermine critical education programs, especially for the most vulnerable student populations.
The proposed cuts come amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to cut the size of the federal government, and the decision to target the Education Department has sparked significant controversy.
However, under US law, the Education Department cannot be completely eliminated without Congress’s approval, a process that would likely take years.
For now, the cuts represent a significant shift in the US government’s approach to education, with potential ramifications for students, teachers, and the future of federal education policy.
