Trump Claims Education Secretary McMahon Was Responsible for Decisions on Mass Layoffs
The Department of Education has terminated over 1,300 employees.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon was responsible for the decisions regarding the mass layoffs recently announced by the U.S. Department of Education, as stated by President Donald Trump on March 12.
“We’re retaining the most competent staff, and Linda McMahon is a true professional, a very sophisticated business person. She has made significant cuts but retained the most valuable personnel. We’ll see how everything pans out,” Trump remarked during a press conference in Washington alongside the Prime Minister of Ireland.
An agency official informed the press that all Department of Education offices outside of Washington would be closed, and the remaining staff would consolidate into a single building in Washington.
Trump noted that while driving through Washington, he observed empty Department of Education buildings.
“I feel very sorry for them, but many of these individuals don’t work at all. A lot of them never showed up,” he commented.
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Later, he stated, “When we make cuts… our goal is to reduce the workforce of those who are not fulfilling their responsibilities or performing adequately.”
He also referred to education rankings that often show the United States behind numerous countries, despite high spending per pupil in American schools.
The American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, which represents employees of the Department of Education, criticized the dismissals.
“The recent mass firings and disorganization reflect a lack of respect for the thousands of workers who have committed their careers to serving fellow Americans,” stated Sheria Smith, president of the union.
Trump has expressed a desire to abolish the Department of Education, which was created by Congress in the 1970s, and allow states to dictate educational policy. He mentioned on Wednesday that he believes most states will do well in that regard, stating, “For those that do not, we’ll collaborate with them to improve.”
“Our aim is to return control of education back to the states, empowering parents and governors who perform well,” the president added.
“This is a significant move toward restoring excellence in the U.S. education system,” she remarked.
The department clarified that the layoffs would not impact programs under its jurisdiction, including student loans.
On Fox News, McMahon stated that the layoffs represent a step toward the eventual elimination of the Department of Education, a goal Trump has pledged to pursue.
“The clear direction from him is to decommission the Department of Education, a process we know will require cooperation with Congress,” she commented. “However, today, we initiated the first phase of reducing what I consider bureaucratic excess.”
McMahon reassured that they ensured to retain “all of the right personnel,” specifically those working on congressionally funded programs.
