The US Education Department is planning significant layoffs starting Tuesday evening. This move comes as President Donald Trump pushes for the department’s elimination.
Reports suggest that about half of the department’s 4,400 employees may lose their jobs. Notices are expected to be sent out soon.
These layoffs align with ongoing cuts at various federal agencies. Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, aim to reduce the size of the federal government.
Recently, White House officials prepared an executive order for Education Secretary Linda McMahon. This order would outline steps to dismantle the department.
Earlier on Tuesday, the department informed its employees that offices would close for “security reasons” on Tuesday evening and Wednesday. An internal memo was sent to staff, which CNN has seen.
Employees were instructed to take their laptops and evacuate the building by 6 p.m. ET. The offices will reopen on Thursday.
The memo did not detail the security concerns. The Department of Education has yet to comment on the situation.
Many employees expressed anxiety over the potential layoffs and the looming executive order.
The closure applies to the headquarters in Washington, D.C., as well as regional offices. Staff members can work from home on Wednesday and need to bring their laptops when they leave.
Longtime staff at the department noted they can’t recall a time when all offices were closed, even for significant events.
This story has been updated as new information emerges.
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