The US Department of Education has announced plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 50%. On Tuesday, the department revealed that it would be laying off 1,300 employees, a move that education secretary Linda McMahon described as a “major step toward revitalizing the greatness of the United States education system.”
In a social media post on X, McMahon stated: “Today’s [reduction in force] demonstrates our dedication to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are focused where they are needed most: on students, parents, and teachers.”
Following this latest round of layoffs, the department’s workforce will be approximately half of the previous total of 4,100 employees, according to a statement from the agency. Additionally, over the past seven weeks, another 572 employees had already chosen to take “voluntary resignation opportunities and retirement.” Those laid off will be placed on administrative leave by the end of next week.
US education department to lay off 1,300 people as Trump vows to close agency
The announcement of extensive layoffs at the US Department of Education has faced immediate backlash from Democratic and progressive figures. Texas representative Greg Casar criticized the leadership, claiming they were “Taking resources from our children to fund tax breaks for wealthy individuals.”
Trump has previously campaigned with a promise to eliminate the Department of Education, arguing it has been infiltrated by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” During her confirmation hearing, McMahon acknowledged that only Congress could disband the agency but indicated that it might require budget cuts and reorganization.
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Trump retracts 50% Canada tariffs after reciprocal measures
Donald Trump announced a 50% increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, raising them from 25% in response to Ontario’s recently imposed 25% surcharge on electricity exports to several US states. However, this decision was quickly reversed after Ontario backed down a few hours later.
The day was chaotic as trade tensions escalated between the US and Canada. The White House confirmed that new tariffs of 25% on all imported steel and aluminum are still scheduled to take effect at midnight on Wednesday, impacting allies and key US suppliers like Canada and Mexico.
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US resumes support for Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to a 30-day ceasefire
Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire in its conflict with Russia, while the US has announced it will immediately lift restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing following critical negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
Donald Trump has stated he now hopes Vladimir Putin will reciprocate. If such a response occurs, it would mark the first ceasefire since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over three years ago in 2022.
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Judge intervenes to prevent Trump administration from cutting millions for teacher training
On Tuesday, a federal judge in Boston blocked a plan by the Trump administration to reduce funding by hundreds of millions of dollars for teacher training, stating that such cuts were already impacting programs designed to address a nationwide teacher shortage.
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Judge stops Louisiana’s first death row execution in 15 years
A federal judge has halted Louisiana’s first planned death row execution using nitrogen gas, which was scheduled for next week. US District Court Judge Shelly Dick issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday, preventing the state from proceeding with the execution, which would have marked its first in 15 years. Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that the state will appeal the decision immediately.
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White House claims Columbia University is not cooperating in student arrests
The Trump administration stated on Tuesday that Columbia University has been “refusing to assist” the Department of Homeland Security in identifying individuals for arrest on campus, following the detention of a prominent Palestinian activist and recent Columbia graduate over the weekend.
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House Republicans approve Trump-supported spending bill
On Tuesday, House Republicans achieved a near party-line vote in favor of their controversial funding bill aimed at averting an impending government shutdown, sending it to the Senate where its passage faces significant challenges.
The Trump-supported bill passed by a vote of 217 to 213, with Kentucky representative Thomas Massie being the lone Republican to vote against it. Democratic Congressman Jared Golden of Maine sided with Republicans to support the measure. This stopgap bill is intended to fund the government until September.
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Trump announces he’s purchasing a Tesla during Musk boycott
Donald Trump revealed that he is buying a “brand new Tesla,” attributing the “illegal” boycott of Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company to “Radical Left Lunatics.” This announcement came a day after Tesla experienced its largest drop in share price in almost five years.
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Additional news from today:
During Tuesday’s promotional event at the White House for Elon Musk’s Tesla electric vehicles, Trump declined to test drive one of the cars, and mocked the notion that his predecessor, Joe Biden, had done so at a comparable event. Video evidence shows Biden did test drive a Tesla in August 2021, at an event promoting electric vehicles which Musk reportedly was upset about being excluded from due to anti-union policies.
Mark Kelly, the fighter pilot and astronaut turned Arizona Democratic senator, remarked that Elon Musk is “not a serious guy” after Musk, a close ally of Trump, labeled him a “traitor” for visiting Ukraine to support its defense against Russian forces.
Former Democratic House member Katie Porter announced her intention to run in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
Perkins Coie, a leading law firm targeted by Trump for punitive actions through an executive order, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court on Tuesday, asserting that the firm “cannot permit its clients to be bullied.” The executive order from March 6 stripped the firm’s lawyers of security clearances and access to federal buildings while indicating a review of contracts involving any clients of the firm.
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