Overview
- President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, citing inefficiencies in managing the $1.7 trillion federal student loan portfolio.
- The Department has cut its workforce by 50%, raising concerns about its ability to oversee loan repayment and financial aid systems.
- Ashley Morgan, a borrower whose payments spiked after the removal of income recertification forms, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education.
- Key programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans are at risk of being eliminated, potentially affecting millions of borrowers.
- Critics warn that privatizing federal loans, a goal tied to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, could lead to stricter terms and reduced borrower protections.