The Department of Education implemented mass layoffs on Tuesday night, cutting nearly 50% of its workforce. Sources confirmed that “reduction in force” notices were sent out around 6 p.m., affecting approximately 1,315 employees. Following the layoffs, 2,183 employees remain with the department.
According to senior officials, affected employees will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21 and will continue receiving full pay and benefits through June 9. The department assured that essential programs, including student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, and competitive grants, would continue without disruption.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the reduction was aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring resources are directed toward students, parents, and teachers. She acknowledged the contributions of those impacted, calling the move a significant step in strengthening the country’s education system. Officials noted that every sector of the department was affected in some capacity, though most cuts targeted internal roles rather than external-facing positions.
Employees who remained with the DOE received an email outlining the department’s restructuring, emphasizing that priorities would shift significantly. The message stressed that the decisions were not a reflection of the affected employees’ performance and encouraged remaining staff to continue working together.
As part of the restructuring, six communications offices will be consolidated, and leases in major cities such as San Francisco, New York, Cleveland, Boston, Chicago, and Dallas will be terminated. Additionally, the DOE plans to consolidate its three buildings in Washington, D.C.
Following the layoff announcements, the DOE instructed employees to vacate department buildings by 6 p.m. on Tuesday for security reasons. All offices in the National Capital Region and regional locations were closed to employees on Wednesday, March 12, with plans to reopen on Thursday. Employees were advised to take their laptops home, but since most telework agreements had been revoked, remote work options remained limited.
The layoffs come amid discussions of an executive order from President Donald Trump to dissolve the Department of Education and transfer education oversight to state governments. The administration has delayed the order due to concerns about the impact on federal education programs.
Inside the department, employees are reportedly anxious about their job security and the future of federal education programs. Some fear repercussions for pushing back against policy decisions. National Education Association President Becky Pringle criticized the layoffs, stating that eliminating half the DOE’s workforce would negatively impact students, parents, and educators by reducing essential education support and resources.
