Overview
- President Trump plans to sign an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, a long-standing conservative goal, though legal experts argue such action requires congressional approval.
- The administration proposes transferring federal student loan programs to other agencies like the Treasury or Commerce Department, creating uncertainty for borrowers and federal oversight mechanisms.
- The Department of Education oversees critical functions, including financial aid distribution, civil rights protections, and support for students with disabilities, which would require reassignment if the department is closed.
- Trump's education policies align with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint advocating for privatizing student loans and scaling back federal involvement in education funding and oversight.
- Critics warn that these moves could disrupt financial aid systems, reduce protections for vulnerable students, and increase reliance on private lenders, potentially affecting affordability and access to education.