United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visits "Fox & Friends" at Fox News Channel Studios on March 7, 2025, in New York City. (Noam Galai)
"President Trump was elected with a mandate from the American public to return education authority to the states," Biedermann told Fox News Digital. "The Department of Education’s reduction in force (RIF) was implemented carefully and in compliance with all applicable regulations and laws. They are strategic, internal-facing cuts that will not directly impact students and families."
Biedermann also said that no employees working on the FAFSA, student loan servicing, Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title funds, the Office of Special Education Programs, or the Rehabilitation Services Administration who serve children with disabilities were impacted.
"The Office for Civil Rights will continue to investigate complaints and vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws," Biedermann said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a lawsuit against Trump. (Getty Images)
The suit points to former President Ronald Reagan's attempts to close the department, claiming that the efforts reflect "the uncontroversial understanding that only Congress may abolish an agency it created."
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McMahon, during her confirmation hearing in February, acknowledged that the administration would need Congressional approval in order to eliminate the department.
"The federal government does not control education, the states do, local school boards do. This is about opportunity," McMahon told Fox News' Laura Ingraham amid the workforce cuts. "That is why so many people are so mad about it, because they’re just taking opportunity away from kids who don’t have it."
Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this report.
Aubrie Spady is a Writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-ags-sue-over-trump-administrations-education-department-layoffs