Earlier in the day, sources told Diverse that staff received "reduction in force" notices Tuesday evening, with nearly half of the department's workforce potentially facing elimination. This development comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to significantly downsize or potentially eliminate the federal agency.
Earlier Tuesday, all department employees received a memo stating that offices would be closed Tuesday evening through Wednesday. The email provided little explanation beyond citing "security reasons" and indicated offices would reopen Thursday.
By Tuesday evening, the Secretary of Education confirmed the reductions.
"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 Linda McMahon. “I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
The timing is significant as agency heads are scheduled to submit their "reorganization" plans to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Thursday. A February guidance memo from these offices directed agency leadership to implement "large-scale reductions in force (RIFs)" through attrition and "by eliminating positions that are not required."
McMahon signaled these changes in a letter to staff in early March, describing a "momentous final mission" to return education to state control. She acknowledged the reconstruction would "profoundly" impact staff, budgets and agency operations.
