President Trump, following the Department of Education’s announcement of significant layoffs, expressed indifference towards the fired workers, implying that many were unproductive. The agency revealed plans to cut 1,300 jobs, aligning with Trump’s aim to reduce the federal government’s involvement in education. With the workforce halved from 4,100 employees during the Biden administration due to recent layoffs and buyouts, the Department of Education is also terminating leases in various cities. Trump emphasized the importance of retaining high-performing staff amidst the downsizing, emphasizing his vision to decentralize education to the states, where curriculum decisions are already made.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, tasked by Trump to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies, initiated the cuts, drawing both support and criticism. William Bennett, a former Education Secretary, questioned the breadth of the layoffs, suggesting a more targeted approach to retain valuable employees. Trump’s long-standing goal of abolishing the Education Department mirrors Reagan’s failed attempt due to opposition from a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. The downsizing efforts extend beyond the Education Department, with broader cuts advocated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency affecting various government agencies. Trump’s campaign promise of eliminating the Education Department entirely underscores the ongoing shift towards reducing federal intervention in education and streamlining government operations.