Trump’s Push to Eliminate the Department of Education Could Impact $1.6 Trillion in Student Loans and 4,100 Jobs

Date:

February 22, 2025

President Donald Trump’s proposal to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education could have significant repercussions, potentially affecting critical programs like the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio and funding for millions of students. With a 2024 budget of $251 billion and a workforce of 4,100 employees, the department manages K-12 and higher education programs, including federal grants and the enforcement of Title IX. This proposal is part of a wider Republican movement to reduce federal involvement in education, sparking debates over issues such as student loan forgiveness and critical race theory.