Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Trump Speeds Up Education Dept. Dismantling, Keeps Student Loan System Intact
President Trump is making the US Department of Education smaller, but he's keeping the student loan system for now.
Some people are worried this could make it harder for students to get help and afford college.
Trump signs executive order to downsize the Education Department
Layoffs impact nearly half of the department's workforce
Student loan system, Pell Grants, and other aid programs remain unaffected
Critics warn of potential disruptions in student support and higher education affordability
Trump's plan aligns with conservative policy goals but could face political backlash
- Who
- President Donald Trump, Education Secretary Linda McMahon
- What
- Accelerating the downsizing of the US Department of Education
- When
- Earlier this year (executive order signed), ongoing (layoffs and restructuring)
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To return education control to states and eliminate 'bureaucratic bloat'
Supporters of Trump's Plan
Critics of Trump's Plan
Bureaucratic Bloat
Supporters of Trump's Plan
Trump supporters argue that reducing the department's size will eliminate waste and inefficiency
Critics of Trump's Plan
Critics warn of potential disruptions in essential student support systems and higher education affordability
- Department Size Reduction
- Nearly half of the workforce laid off, impacting around 1,300 staff
- Student Loan System Status
- Remains unaffected and under government control
- Pell Grants and Other Aid Programs
- Continued distribution and management
- Critics' Concerns
- Potential disruptions in student support and higher education affordability
- Trump's Plan Alignment
- Aligns with conservative policy goals laid out in Project 2025
