Washington, D.C. – Demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Department of Education’s offices to protest mass layoffs and budget cuts. President Trump is set to sign an executive action instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to close the department and return education authority to the States. The move comes after the administration has already initiated significant layoffs at the Education Department.
Since Trump took office, nearly 600 employees have resigned or retired, with an additional 1,300 facing job loss last week. The department’s staff has been reduced to 2,183 workers, half of its size just a few weeks ago. The administration justifies the closure by claiming that the department has spent over $3 trillion since its inception in 1979 without significant improvement in student achievement.
Critics, such as Sen. Patty Murray, argue that the move to dismantle the department aims to destroy public education in America. The White House maintains that the closure will empower parents, states, and communities to enhance student outcomes. Federal funds, which make up a small portion of public school funding, primarily support vulnerable students in low-income and rural areas, as well as children with disabilities.
McMahon reassured senators that funding for key programs would not see cuts, but rather operate more efficiently. The Education Department, by law, does not dictate school curriculum or control how states and districts handle subjects like math and reading. Recent success stories from states like Alabama and Louisiana show that states and districts have significant control over their educational systems.
Education advocates and lawmakers express concerns about the impact of closing the department on the quality of education and support for vulnerable student populations. Opposition to the closure remains high among Americans, with 63% against shutting down the department. The executive action is expected to face challenges in Congress, where bipartisan support would be needed to alter the department’s structure significantly.