Story perspectives

Trump Mandate Triggers Education Dept. Shutdown, Loans Shift

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Education Secretary Linda McMahon told a House committee that voters gave President Donald Trump a mandate to wind down the Department of Education.
The federal student-loan portfolio is being transferred to the Treasury Department.
The department’s workforce fell about 45%, dropping to roughly 2,300 employees from 4,200 in 2024.
Elementary and secondary education programs moved to the Labor Department.
Family-engagement work moved to the Department of Health and Human Services.

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Story summary

Education Secretary Linda McMahon told a House committee that voters gave President Donald Trump a mandate to wind down the Department of Education.
The federal student-loan portfolio is being transferred to the Treasury Department.
The department’s workforce fell about 45%, dropping to roughly 2,300 employees from 4,200 in 2024.
Elementary and secondary education programs moved to the Labor Department.
Family-engagement work moved to the Department of Health and Human Services.