Major cuts to Department of Education leave thousands without jobs
The Department of Education is facing major downsizing following the announcement that nearly half of its workforce will be laid off.
(NBC NEWS)- The Department of Education is facing major downsizing following the announcement that nearly half of its workforce—approximately 1,300 career employees—will be laid off. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the move as eliminating bureaucratic bloat, aligning with President Donald Trump’s goal of restructuring the department. “His directive to me, clearly, is to shut down the Department of Education,” McMahon stated.
While dissolving the Department of Education would require an act of Congress, President Trump has consistently voiced his support for granting control of education policy to individual states. The announcement has sparked concern among parents and educators, particularly those who rely on federal oversight and funding for special education programs.
Lindsay Latham, a mother and disability advocate, expressed her worries about the potential consequences of reduced federal involvement. “To make sure that their kid is being treated fairly and given the opportunity to learn like any other kid,” Latham said, adding, “If we go backwards, we are going to see such a regression in the most vulnerable population.” In response to these concerns, Secretary McMahon reassured that the department would continue funding special education and other essential statutory programs.
Financial markets also reacted to the administration’s latest economic moves. Wall Street experienced another day of losses as new tariffs—25% on steel and aluminum imports—took effect. Canada, a primary exporter of these metals to the U.S., was hit particularly hard by the policy shift. However, President Trump backed down from an earlier threat to double the tariffs after negotiations with Canadian officials over a 25% electricity surcharge imposed by Ontario’s premier.
Despite economic uncertainty, President Trump dismissed fears of an impending recession. “I don’t see it at all. I think this country is going to boom,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that his tariff strategy will ultimately bolster the U.S. economy.
