The Department of Education announced the dismissal of more than half of its personnel

The U.S. Department of Education announced the layoff of just over half of its entire staff, which was already part of the agency before the U.S. President Donald Trump took office. In a statement, the department detailed that the total number of layoffs was 1,315, adding that those who were part of that group were notified through layoff notices. The department also commented that the approach used for this massive wave of layoffs was the elimination of entire teams that were considered unnecessary or redundant.

Different media outlets reported that, of the 4,133 workers that the agency has in total, 313 opted for the $25,000 voluntary severance package that the department offered them, while only 259 accepted the Trump Administration's deferred resignation offer. With these new layoffs, the Department of Education will henceforth have only 2,183 employees, in what represents a real triumph for the Republican Administration in its attempt to reduce spending through a massive reduction of personnel in certain agencies.

McMahon's words and AFGE's response.

In another statement, the U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, explained that those who were just laid off will remain in their positions for an additional 90 days, during which time they can continue to receive both their salaries and full benefits, plus severance payments once they have to leave the agency after the end of this time frame. "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. 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," McMahon added.

On the other hand, the president of the local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Sheria Smith, announced after learning of the Department of Education's decision that she and her union will do their utmost to fight the cuts and protect the dignity of workers. "We will not stand idly by while this regime pulls the wool over the eyes of the American people," Smith said. "We will state the facts. Every employee at the U.S. Department of Education lives in your communities — we are your neighbors, your friends, your family. And we have spent our careers supporting services that you rely on," Smith said.