Massive Layoffs at U.S. Education Department: Half of Workforce Affected

The U.S. Department of Education is set to reduce its workforce by half, according to reports. Offices in Washington are closed for security reasons as part of Trump's plan to transfer educational responsibilities to states. This follows similar moves with other federal agencies.

The U.S. Department of Education is poised to undergo significant workforce reductions, cutting approximately half of its 4,000 employees, according to insider reports. Announcements of the layoffs are expected Tuesday evening, coinciding with the closure of department offices in Washington for security measures.

These actions align with President Donald Trump's broader strategy to downsize federal bureaucracies and transfer educational oversight to state levels. The closures of department offices are not unprecedented, reflecting similar past directives affecting the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The planned layoffs point to a notable restructuring under the current administration, highlighting Trump's agenda to streamline government functions deemed excessive by the Republican Party. The Education Department, established in 1980, remains a target due to its centralized influence on U.S. education policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)