Americans are tired of bloated government agencies that spend more on administration than actual results. For decades, the Department of Education has expanded its reach while student achievement has stagnated.

The federal bureaucracy continues to grow, demanding more tax dollars. But what have we gotten in return? Meanwhile, parents find themselves with less say in their children’s education. Something had to change.

President Donald Trump repeatedly promised a different approach during his campaign. He didn’t just suggest change—he vowed to return control of education to states and local communities where it belongs.

In a decisive move Tuesday night, the Department of Education initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%. The “reduction in force” notices affected 1,315 employees, leaving 2,183 still employed by the department.

“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon shortly after the notifications went out on Tuesday.

Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21. These workers will receive their full pay and benefits through June 9. They’ll also get “substantial severance pay or retirement benefits” based on their length of employment.

The announcement came after department employees were told their offices would be closed Wednesday. The reason given? “Security concerns.” An email instructed workers to vacate buildings by 6 p.m. Tuesday. It also told them to take their laptops home.

Fulfilling a Campaign Promise

This dramatic reduction aligns perfectly with President Trump’s consistent position on education. During his campaign, Trump repeatedly stated his intention to eliminate the federal education bureaucracy.

“I want to close up Department of Education, move education back to the states,” Trump said in August of 2024.

When Trump first took office in his previous term, the Department of Education’s workforce numbered 4,133 employees. That number will now shrink to around 2,183 workers. It’s a significant step toward his goal of returning education authority to state and local control.

Secretary McMahon had previously sent a letter to all staff on her first day in March. She stated she would lead a “momentous final mission” to send education back to the states. Looks like she meant business!

Conservatives have long argued that education decisions should be made closer to home. That’s where parents and communities have more influence. The federal government’s one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work for diverse communities across America.

Let’s remember—the Department of Education was only established in 1979. America’s education system functioned for two centuries without this federal bureaucracy. And I’d argue educational outcomes have actually declined since the department’s creation.

By reducing the federal footprint in education, states gain more flexibility. They can innovate and implement approaches that work for their specific populations. Parents also regain a stronger voice in educational decisions that directly impact their children.

Critics Miss the Point

Not everyone supports these changes (surprise, surprise). National Education Association President Becky Pringle criticized the layoffs. She claimed that the Trump administration “has abandoned students, parents, and educators across the nation.”

This criticism completely misses the fundamental point. The Department of Education will continue to fulfill its statutory obligations. According to the Department’s statement, it will “continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview.”

These include formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking. The difference? These functions will be carried out more efficiently. Less bureaucratic overhead consuming your tax dollars.

McMahon called the move a “significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.” For conservatives who believe in limited government and local control, this represents a return to constitutional principles.

Key Takeaways:

• President Trump delivers on campaign promise to reduce federal control of education.
• Nearly 1,315 Department of Education employees laid off as part of efficiency initiative.
• Secretary McMahon confirms essential education programs will continue without bureaucratic bloat.
• States and parents poised to regain authority over educational decisions.

Sources: ABC7 Los Angeles, Fox News