President Donald Trump has expressed deep skepticism about the Department of Education and suggested that the agency should be done away with.

Trump moved closer to that goal this week when he moved to fire half of the Department of Education's workforce. 

Cuts represent "a big change for the department"

According to Breitbart, that move was announced in a statement released on Tuesday by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

"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," McMahon's statement read.

"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," she continued.

One unnamed senior official told Breitbart that the new staffing reduction will represent "a big change for the department."

However, the official nevertheless insisted that it will "be better for the long-term success of our education system and our country."

Trump wants McMahon to "put herself out of a job"

The official explained that many of the Department of Education 4,133 staffing positions exist "largely to oversee contractors, add strings, and in many cases do duplicative efforts across the department."

What's more, the senior official stressed that layoffs will not have an effect on student aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline, funding for special needs students, Civil Rights investigations, or other statutorily mandated functions.

Breitbart recalled how when speaking with reporters in the Oval Office last month, Trump said McMahon will be working to make her position obsolete.

"And what I want to do is let the states run schools," Trump remarked. "I believe strongly in school choice, but in addition to that, I want the states to run schools, and I want Linda to put herself out of a job."

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