Senate minority staff estimated $91.5 million for Education Department leave
Reporting and findings
- estimate
PSI minority staff estimated $91,474,718.23 in compensation for Education Department employees placed on administrative leave during the workforce-reduction drive.
- U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Minority Staff: The $21.7 Billion Blunder: Analyzing the Waste Generated by DOGEPassages and source records documenting: Senate minority staff estimated $91.5 million for Education Department leave
- 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
Paid leave accompanied the push to dismantle the department rather than delivering immediate net savings.
$91.47 million minority-staff estimate through July 2025
People and organizations
- Linda McMahonTrump-appointed education secretary
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- U.S. Department of Educationdepartment implementing DOGE workforce reductions
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskpaid employees kept from performing education workU.S. Department of Education
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed education secretaryLinda McMahon
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
Money trail
payment$91.5 million for Education Department leave$91.47 million - Estimated source
- U.S. Department of Education
- Estimated recipient
- Employees on administrative leave
- Financially affected
- Students, schools, department operations, and taxpayers