Story perspectives

Education Secretary Halts Layoffs Amid Department Overhaul

11/20/2025

Center

McMahon Cancels Layoffs

Education Secretary Linda McMahon canceled 20% of the Education Department's reduction-in-force notices due to a continuing resolution passed by Congress.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is pushing to dismantle the Education Department, transferring programs to Labor and Health and Human Services.
Critics, including Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, argue these changes harm students and essential services.
Layoffs may resume after January 30, 2026.

Left

Education Funding Transfer

The Department of Education is transferring Title I funding responsibilities to the Department of Labor.
Experts say the shift could delay funding distribution and reflect the Trump Administration’s dismantling of education programs.
Experts argue the Department of Labor lacks the necessary expertise to manage these programs.
There are fears of future layoffs at the Department of Education that could further harm vulnerable students relying on federal support.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1980 following the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare's split, the U.S. Department of Education manages about $268 billion in federal funding. Recent proposals to transfer its responsibilities to the Department of Labor echo historical debates over federal involvement in education, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable students, reminiscent of past efforts to reshape educational governance since its inception in 1979.

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McMahon Cancels Layoffs

Education Secretary Linda McMahon canceled 20% of the Education Department's reduction-in-force notices due to a continuing resolution passed by Congress.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is pushing to dismantle the Education Department, transferring programs to Labor and Health and Human Services.
Critics, including Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, argue these changes harm students and essential services.
Layoffs may resume after January 30, 2026.

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