You Can’t Kill the U.S. Department of Education (But You Can Break It)

Host Alex Usher speaks with Daniel Collier and Michael Kofoed about the uncertain status and evolving role of the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration. They unpack why the department still exists despite efforts to dismantle it, and what that reveals about the limits of executive power. The conversation explores key policy shifts around student aid, accreditation, and DEI, and how legally fragile or unclear directives are shaping institutional behaviour across higher education. They also examine major changes to student loan repayment, including the move to a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), and what it means for borrowers. Collier and Kofoed reflect on the risks of governing through executive action and how upcoming political shifts could reshape the future of federal higher education policy. 👉 Episode Links:“A New Attitude: Why McMahon Isn’t DeVos 2.0” (Inside Higher Ed) by Daniel CollierFocus Friday: Online & Distance Learning (April 17) | Register for free