There’s more turmoil surrounding the Department of Education (ED), with recent government layoffs and speculation about the ED’s future making headlines. We’re here to analyze what’s real, what’s political theater, and how these changes could impact student loan borrowers in the coming months.

We also discuss the potential fallout from IRS and USAID layoffs, the legal and budget reconciliation updates that could shape repayment options, and student loan services that might be at risk. Plus, we’ll share some personal reflections on staying sane in all this chaos.

Key moments:

(00:46) ED shutdown rumors may have been a strategic leak to test public reaction (03:36) PSLF and loan support teams have been gutted, making it harder to get help (07:22) Travis became a meme after a late-night Instagram Live on the ED stop-work order (13:02) Courts, Congress, and the executive branch are creating student loan policy chaos (20:20) Why we’re more careful about sharing loopholes — and where to find exclusive insights

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