Musk's cost-cutting team targets US Education Department, staff layoffs imminent

Officials at the U.S. Department of Education have revealed that Elon Musk's cost-cutting team is scrutinizing the agency's operations, raising concerns about potential staff reductions, particularly within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

In an all-hands meeting with OCR employees, Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary, confirmed the involvement of Musk's team, describing it as part of a broader initiative to reform federal bureaucracy under President Donald Trump's administration, Caliber.Az reports via American media.

"You probably know that DOGE—the DOGE team—is, like the other federal departments, here working on President Trump’s promise to the American people to reform the federal bureaucracy, so we’re going to increase efficiencies in OCR and Ed generally," Trainor said, referencing the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.

The presence of Musk's team in the Education Department signals the billionaire's growing influence within the federal government, extending his reach to more than half a dozen agencies. Sources indicate that Musk's allies have secured access to sensitive financial and data systems, contributing to the rapid dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in the past week.

The February 4 meeting followed previous efforts by Trump-appointed officials to realign the Education Department with the administration's priorities. These efforts have already led to at least 60 employees affiliated with diversity and equity programs being placed on indefinite paid leave, according to their union. Among those affected were several dozen individuals who had participated in a routine diversity workshop that had been a staple within the department for over a decade.

Amid these developments, discussions within the White House have reportedly included the possibility of an executive order to effectively dismantle the Education Department, according to individuals familiar with the matter. The proposed move reflects a dramatic shift in federal education policy, emphasizing administrative efficiency over existing diversity and equity initiatives.

The Education Department and representatives for Elon Musk have not responded to requests for comment.

By Khagan Isayev