Trump Administration Cuts Half of Education Department Workforce

Layoffs target civil rights offices and financial aid divisions, raising concerns about the future of federal education oversight and support.

The U.S. Department of Education has laid off approximately 1,300 employees, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%.
Civil rights offices in seven cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco, are being shut down, leaving only five regional offices to handle discrimination complaints.
The Federal Student Aid office, which manages over $120 billion in annual grants and loans, has lost hundreds of staff, potentially delaying financial aid processing for students.
Advocates warn that the cuts will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income students, students with disabilities, and first-generation college attendees.
The layoffs are part of President Trump's broader push to downsize the federal government, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon tasked with dismantling the department to the extent allowed by law.