How the Department of Education cuts could change federal support for schools

President Donald Trump’s administration's recent decision to significantly reduce the U.S. Department of Education's workforce has raised concerns about the potential impact on the stability and quality of American education. Over 1,300 employees were laid off and nearly 600 resigned voluntarily.

This move aligns with Trump's long-standing objective to dismantle the Department of Education, a goal shared by many conservatives who advocate for reduced federal involvement in education. Established in 1980, the department oversees various programs, including managing a $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio and enforcing civil rights laws in educational institutions. 

Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the layoffs as "a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the U.S. education system." She emphasized how restructuring ensures resources are directed "where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers." ​However, critics argue such substantial cuts could disrupt essential services, particularly those supporting disadvantaged and special-needs students.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized the move, stating it would "gut essential programs that help students of all backgrounds build a brighter future." 

"Weakening our education system not only shortchanges our children but also undermines our workforce and economy," he added.

The Department of Education's budget for the 2024 fiscal year totaled $251 billion, encompassing mandatory spending for student loans and Pell Grants. The discretionary portion, amounting to $79 billion, funds programs that assist homeless children, support arts education, and back initiatives for visually and hearing-impaired people. The reduction in workforce raises questions about the department's capacity to administer these programs effectively.

In a statement, Rosa DeLauro, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, said, "President Trump and Musk and their billionaire buddies are so detached from how Americans live that they cannot see how ending public education and canceling these contracts kills the American Dream. This is not about Democrats versus Republicans. This is about billionaires versus the middle class. If kids from working class families do not have access to schools, how can they build a future?" 

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has played a pivotal role in implementing these workforce reductions. Established by an executive order from Trump in 2024, DOGE aims to cut federal spending by up to $2 trillion. Its actions have led to the firing of approximately 77,000 federal employees across various agencies, sparking legal challenges and public protests. 

The impact of these cuts extends beyond the Department of Education. Federal workers and their allies have rallied in cities like San Francisco to protest the job reductions, expressing concerns about the potential privatization of essential services such as Social Security and veterans' health care. Speakers at these rallies criticized the cuts as moves that could undermine critical public services. 

Educational institutions are also feeling the effects. Columbia University, for instance, faces pressure to resist the Trump administration's demands for changes following large-scale pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Legal academics at Columbia have raised concerns about potential federal funding cuts totaling $400 million, which could severely impact academic research. 

Supporters of the cuts argue that reducing federal oversight could empower local and state authorities to innovate and tailor education policies to their communities' specific needs. However, opponents fear diminishing federal involvement could exacerbate educational inequalities, particularly in underfunded regions.