Trump administration slashes Department of Education workforce
The Donald Trump administration has announced plans to lay off half of the employees of the Department of Education, one of the fifteen executive departments of the federal government of the USA. Approximately 2,100 individuals will lose their jobs. This move is part of Trump's campaign promise to streamline government administration.
- As part of the Department of Education's final mission, the Department today initiated a reduction in force impacting nearly 50 percent of the Department's workforce - Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated on Tuesday.
She added that all activities conducted by the Department of Education are currently under review. She noted that "some divisions [are] requiring significant reorganisation to better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers."
Previously, Donald Trump had announced plans to eliminate the Department of Education; however, such an action would require approval from Congress.
Trump lays off half of the Department of Education staff
The Department of Education, with an annual budget of approximately £188 billion, employs over 4,000 people. It is responsible for funding public schools, managing student loans, and running programmes supporting students from low-income families.
There is a common misconception that it manages schools in the USA and sets educational curricula, a responsibility that actually lies with state and local districts.
