Trump administration begins mass federal layoffs in the US Education Department during government shutdown

The Trump administration has started mass layoffs of federal employees as the government shutdown reached its 10th day, as reported by Chalkbeat. The move is part of an effort to pressure Democratic lawmakers to reopen the government.

Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget , confirmed that reduction-in-force plans, or RIFs, have begun. Notices are being issued at the departments of Education , Treasury, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. The cuts are described as substantial.
Layoffs in Education Department The Education Department is significantly affected. Almost all employees below the director level at the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education are being laid off. The office now has around 165 employees. It handles grants for school districts, supports disaster recovery programs, allocates funds for teacher training, and manages congressional funding disbursements.

The Office of Communications and Outreach at Education is also reducing staff, eliminating one of its two remaining teams after prior cuts in March. The total number of federal employees being laid off Friday remains unclear.
A break from normal shutdown practicesThe layoffs go beyond the usual shutdown response. Typically, federal workers are furloughed and restored to their jobs with back pay once the shutdown ends. About 750,000 employees are expected to be furloughed this time.

This approach represents an aggressive escalation. The White House had requested reduction-in-force plans from all agencies before the shutdown. The plans target programs with funding lapses or those not aligned with the president’s priorities.
Political fallout and congressional responseThe layoffs have intensified the political standoff. Leading Republicans have criticised the move, while Democrats argue the administration is deliberately targeting federal workers. Bipartisan negotiations remain stalled. Both chambers of Congress were absent Friday, and discussions to resolve the shutdown are minimal.

Some Republicans suggest that the threats of mass layoffs have complicated bipartisan efforts. Democratic leaders insist the shutdown does not grant the administration new powers to terminate workers.
Impact on federal workforceThe Partnership for Public Service warns that these cuts will weaken federal capacity and reduce expertise. More than 200,000 civil servants have left since January due to prior firings, retirements, and resignations. Analysts say the latest reductions will further strain agencies and hinder essential services.

The administration’s actions mark one of the most aggressive federal workforce reductions in recent history. The full effect on federal operations and public services remains uncertain as the shutdown continues.