Trump administration cuts Department of Education workforce as trade war escalates

Major job cuts at the Department of Education spark protests, while U.S. allies retaliate against Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum.

(NBC NEWS)- The Trump administration is facing backlash on multiple fronts as protests grow over sweeping job cuts at the Department of Education, and the ongoing trade war escalates with major U.S. allies.

Education Cuts Spark Protests

The Department of Education has been slashed in half, leaving 1,300 workers without jobs. Despite education being primarily state-funded, the federal agency plays a key role in protecting students with disabilities, investigating discrimination cases, and supporting low-income school districts.

Sheria Smith, a former federal employee in Texas, lost her job when one of six regional offices shut down. “My family is now trying to figure out how we overcome the loss of my income,” she said.

President Donald Trump, who has previously advocated for abolishing the Department of Education entirely, defended the firings, claiming without evidence that many employees “don’t work at all.”

While some Republican officials support the move, protests are growing nationwide, as many fear the cuts will negatively impact students and educators.

Trade War Heats Up

Meanwhile, tensions are rising as the Trump administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports face retaliation from major U.S. trade partners.

• The European Union has announced tariffs on American goods, including beef, bourbon, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
• Canada has responded with 25% tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American exports.

As the U.S. and Canada prepare for crucial trade negotiations, Canadian representatives are in Washington seeking to ease the situation. However, President Trump remains firm, stating: “The United States of America is going to take back a lot of what was stolen from it by other countries.”

Government Shutdown Looms

Adding to the uncertainty, a potential government shutdown is on the horizon. Senate Democrats have rejected a House-passed funding bill, calling for a bipartisan compromise. Without an agreement, the government could shut down by tomorrow night.