The US Department of Education has initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50 percent. 

Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave from March 21, according to a statement from the Department. 

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says DOGE team lead Elon Musk has expressed interest in getting rid of the Department of Education altogether - and it's unclear how possible this goal is.

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The US Department of Education has initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50 percent.&nbsp;
Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave from March 21, according to a statement from the Department.&nbsp;
US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says DOGE team lead Elon Musk has expressed interest in getting rid of the Department of Education altogether - and it's unclear how possible this goal is.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the US Department of Education laying off nearly half its workforce

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ebd52fd4-798a-43b0-a830-b29e004b69c6/transcript