Linda McMahon dismantles Education Department, triggers mass layoffs and student loan defaults
Updated
Updated · The New Yorker · Apr 27
Linda McMahon dismantles Education Department, triggers mass layoffs and student loan defaults
6 articles · Updated · The New Yorker · Apr 27
Following President Trump’s directive, McMahon cut half the department’s staff, eliminated key offices, and transferred functions to other agencies, resulting in over a million student loan defaults and disrupted grant programs.
Layoffs devastated offices serving poor, minority, and rural districts, while the Federal Student Aid office’s collapse caused technical issues and delays for borrowers and colleges. Legal challenges and administrative confusion have further hampered operations.
McMahon’s actions, driven by conservative goals to shrink federal education, have sparked concerns about increased privatization, weakened civil rights enforcement, and long-term damage to public education infrastructure for future administrations.
What in Linda McMahon's wrestling career prepared her for her current role?
With federal civil rights oversight gutted, who now protects students from discrimination?
What is the long-term vision for American education after the department is gone?
Can the Treasury Department manage the $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio effectively?
What happens to 7.5 million special needs students as protections are reassigned?
How will states replace billions in federal funding for local school programs?