Education department plans to reduce workforce by half as Trump commits to shutting down the agency
The US Department of Education announced on Tuesday its intention to terminate nearly half of its employees, which could indicate a complete closure of the agency, as federal departments rushed to comply with President Donald Trump‘s directive for a second wave of large-scale layoffs.
According to a press release, these job losses are part of the department’s “final mission,” referencing Trump’s promise to abolish the department, which manages $1.6 trillion in college loans, enforces civil rights in education, and allocates federal funding to underprivileged districts.
In a Fox News interview regarding whether these layoffs would result in the department’s dissolution, Education Secretary Linda McMahon affirmed, stating that this was “the president’s mandate.” Following these layoffs, the workforce will shrink to 2,183, down from 4,133 at the start of Trump’s presidency, as reported by Reuters.
Before the layoff announcement, the agency had instructed its Washington offices to be closed to employees from Tuesday evening until Wednesday, according to an internal memo accessed by Reuters.
Civil servants and supporters of the education department rally outside the department in Washington DC, on Tuesday. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
A spokesperson for the education department has yet to respond to Reuters’ inquiries about the security concerns that led to the department’s closures.
The layoffs represent the latest in Trump’s wide-scale initiative to reduce governmental size, spearheaded by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
Every US federal agency has been directed to generate plans for mass layoffs by Thursday, paving the way for the next phase of Trump’s budget-cutting strategy. Some agencies have offered financial incentive packages for employees to retire early in order to meet Trump’s objectives, as reported by Reuters.
Employees impacted by the education department layoffs will begin administrative leave on 21 March, according to departmental announcements.
Further details will follow. In other news:
The union representing over 2,800 department employees indicated it would resist the “draconian cuts” instituted by the education department. Sheria Smith, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, stated, “What is clear from the past weeks of mass firings, chaos, and unchecked unprofessionalism is that this regime has no respect for the thousands of workers who have dedicated their careers to serve their fellow Americans.”
Donald Trump’s trade war intensified at midnight, with the implementation of 25% tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum. There was considerable uncertainty regarding potential delays or increases in tariffs due to conflicting statements from Trump and his chief trade advisor. However, the White House confirmed that previously postponed tariffs would commence, even as the stock market faltered.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, continues to be detained, despite not being charged with any crime. Khalil’s wife asserted during a statement prior to a Wednesday hearing in Manhattan that immigration officers took him away in an unmarked vehicle without displaying a warrant.
The US House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, passed a temporary funding bill, which would prevent a government shutdown, provided it also passes the Senate before midnight on Friday.
Ukraine has agreed to a US proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, initiating steps towards the restoration of lasting peace following Russia’s invasion, as per a joint statement from US and Ukrainian delegations meeting in Saudi Arabia. No comments have been made by Russia.
Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister-designate, stated that he would not remove retaliatory tariffs on American goods until similar actions are taken by Washington.
During a promotional event for Tesla’s electric vehicles at the White House, Trump declined to drive one of the cars, expressing skepticism towards claims that his predecessor, Joe Biden, did so at a similar event. Biden’s participation was captured on video in August 2021 during an event promoting electric vehicles, which Musk reportedly felt excluded from due to anti-union stances.
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Swift Outcry from Democratic and Progressive Officials Over Education Department Layoffs
Abené Clayton
The revelation of the US Department of Education laying off nearly half its workforce has sparked immediate backlash from Democratic and progressive leaders. Texas Representative Greg Casar expressed on X that the administration was “robbing from our children to fund tax breaks for billionaires.”
In a subsequent public statement, Rosa DeLauro, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, remarked:
Trump and Musk, along with their wealthy affiliates, are so out of touch with everyday American life that they fail to recognize how dismantling public education and voiding these contracts undermines the American Dream. Without access to schools, how can working-class children build their futures?
Trump had campaigned with a pledge to dismantle the Education Department, claiming it was overrun by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” During her confirmation hearing, education secretary Linda McMahon acknowledged that only Congress holds the authority to abolish the agency but suggested it may require reductions and restructuring.
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The 25% global tariffs on steel and aluminum were implemented at midnight ET with no exceptions or exemptions.
The European Commission swiftly responded, announcing countermeasures on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of US goods starting next month.
“We deeply regret this decision,” expressed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the US tariffs, as Brussels indicated it would begin “a series of countermeasures” against these “unjustified trade restrictions.”
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed disappointment over the absence of exemptions, terming the tariffs “an act of economic self-harm.” He conveyed during a radio interview:
We will seek alternative markets for our steel and aluminum, and we are in the process of diversifying those avenues.
For the full report, and to keep up with the Guardian’s live coverage of the global reaction to Donald Trump’s recent tariffs, join my colleagues Julia Kollewe and Kate Lamb on the business blog:
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Lisa O’Carroll
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to meet Donald Trump at 10 AM US time for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations, scheduled early this year due to the congressional recess.
He intends to address Trump about the trade imbalance mentioned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a recent telephone conversation with the Irish foreign minister, which overlooks the complexities of the bilateral relationship.
The Taoiseach plans to highlight that major customers of Boeing include Ryanair and Aercap, the largest aircraft leasing firm, which may be affected by tariffs.
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A poll conducted on Tuesday indicates that President Donald Trump‘s approval rating has decreased slightly since he assumed office, according to reports from The Hill.
The Emerson College Polling survey reveals that 47% of voters approve of Trump’s performance, while 45% disapprove. This marks a drop from 49% approval and 41% disapproval at the start of Trump’s second term.
Descriptions from The Hill reflecting on the poll outcomes note:
The public perception of economic management under Trump appears to hinder his general approval rating, where a plurality of 48% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, versus 37% who approve.
His highest approval ratings are in immigration, where 48% approve and 40% disapprove, while his lowest ratings are in economic management, health care, and cryptocurrency, which reflect net approval ratings that are firmly negative.
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