President Donald Trump’s push to close the US Department of Education could disrupt vital programs, including the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio and funding for millions of students. With a 2024 budget of $251 billion and 4,100 employees, the department oversees K-12 and higher education initiatives, including federal grants and Title IX enforcement. The proposal is part of a broader Republican push against federal education oversight, leading to debates over student loan forgiveness and critical race theory.
