The Department of Education (DOE) is set to issue “reduction in force” notices to employees on Tuesday evening, with nearly half of the department’s staff expected to be terminated, according to a source familiar with the matter.

As part of the Department of Education’s final mission, the Department today initiated a reduction in force (RIF) impacting nearly 50% of the Department’s workforce.

— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) March 11, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News 'Terrifying'

A memo circulated earlier Tuesday informed all DOE employees that department offices would be closed Tuesday evening through Wednesday due to “security reasons.”

Employees were instructed to leave the premises by 6 p.m. Tuesday in anticipation of the forthcoming layoffs.

The expected job cuts come as President Donald Trump continues to push for a significant restructuring of the nation’s education system.

Throughout his presidency and campaign, Trump has advocated for shifting control over education back to individual states, arguing that the federal government should not dictate school policies.

American Made Patriotic Apparel - Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

“I want to close up Department of Education, move education back to the states. … Of the 50 (states), I would bet that 35 would do great. And 15 of them, or, you know, 20 of them, will be as good as Norway. You know, Norway is considered great,” Trump stated in August 2024.

He also noted that some left-leaning states, such as California, could face challenges under such a shift.

The impending layoffs follow recent reports indicating that Trump is preparing to sign an executive order to dismantle the federal agency.

Newly appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon addressed department staff in a letter sent earlier in March, outlining her role in overseeing the transition.

In the letter, which was first shared with Fox News Digital, McMahon described the restructuring as a directive from the American people and the president.

“Our job is to respect the will of the American people and the President they elected, who has tasked us with accomplishing the elimination of bureaucratic bloat here at the Department of Education—a momentous final mission—quickly and responsibly,” McMahon wrote.

She acknowledged that the restructuring would have a significant impact on employees, department budgets, and agency operations.

The move aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to reduce the federal government’s influence over education policy, which he has repeatedly criticized as overly bureaucratic and inefficient.

The DOE’s expected downsizing marks a significant step toward shifting education policy decisions to state governments, a key component of Trump’s vision for education reform.

It remains unclear how soon additional steps will be taken to dismantle the department, but with layoffs imminent and an executive order reportedly in the works, the restructuring of the DOE appears to be moving forward at a rapid pace.