Nearly half of the Department of Education staff will be eliminated as employees receive “reduction in force” notices, marking a major step toward Donald Trump’s goal of shutting down the federal agency. Offices will be closed temporarily for “security reasons” as workers are instructed to leave by 6 p.m.
Trump has long advocated for shifting control of education to individual states, arguing that the federal system has failed students and teachers. A draft executive order reportedly directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to dismantle the department. McMahon called the move a “momentous final mission” in a letter to staff, emphasizing that it aligns with Trump’s campaign promises.
The restructuring will significantly alter staffing, budgets, and agency operations. While conservative groups support the shift, critics warn that dissolving the department could harm education funding and oversight, particularly in left-leaning states like California.
With Trump pushing forward on this controversial policy, the fate of federal education programs now rests on how quickly states can adapt to the massive transition.
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