Education Department staffing fell by more than 45 percent
Reporting and findings
- documented
GAO found the Education Department workforce fell by more than 45 percent between December 2024 and January 2026, the largest percentage decline among the 22 agencies reviewed.
- U.S. Government Accountability Office: Federal Agency Workforce Changes: Update for July 2025 to January 2026Passages and source records documenting: Education Department staffing fell by more than 45 percent
- documented
Linda McMahon was the Trump-appointed education secretary.
- U.S. Department of Education: Linda E. McMahonAppointment or biography record identifying Linda McMahon as Trump-appointed education secretary
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
Summary and current status
The deepest large-agency contraction reduced capacity for civil-rights enforcement, student aid, and school data.
Education had the largest percentage workforce decline among GAO's 22 agencies
People and organizations
- Linda McMahonTrump-appointed education secretary
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- U.S. Department of Educationdepartment targeted for dismantling
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskimplemented DOGE-backed staffing reductionsU.S. Department of Education
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed education secretaryLinda McMahon
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
Figures
Education Department workforce declinemore than 45% Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- U.S. Department of Education workforce
- Period
- 2024-12-01 to 2026-01-31
- Method
- GAO monthly payroll comparison.
- Uncertainty
- Minimum rounded percentage; functional effects vary by office.