The US Department of Education announced on Tuesday that it will reduce nearly half of its workforce following President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the agency entirely. The department stated that the reduction in force (RIF) will affect approximately 2,000 employees, with impacted staff placed on administrative leave starting March 21.
According to the agency, the workforce has already shrunk due to voluntary resignations and retirements, with 600 employees departing through incentive programs. Affected workers will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, along with severance or retirement benefits based on tenure.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the move as part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency and redirect resources to students, parents, and teachers. The decision follows Trump’s long-standing position that the department should be dismantled and its functions decentralized.
