1A 'If You Can Keep It': The Layoffs At The Departments Of State And Education
Jul 21, 2025
In this discussion, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, a Senior diplomatic correspondent at HuffPost, and Laura Meckler, a National Education Writer for The Washington Post, dive into the significant layoffs at the Departments of Education and State. They explore the repercussions of losing senior intelligence analysts at a crucial time for U.S. diplomacy, and the impact of educational staff reductions on student loan management. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll on employees and raise concerns about the future of both education policies and foreign relations.
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Ombudsman's Office Role
- Rachel Gittleman worked in the Ombudsman's Office helping borrowers navigate the $1.7 trillion student loan system.
- Her office was the last resort for borrowers failed by the system seeking loan forgiveness or debt discharge.
Dismantling Inside Education Dept
- Trump administration aims to dismantle the Department of Education from within by cutting half its workforce.
- Major grant and contract programs are canceled or shrunk, though some large K-12 programs remain untouched.
Impact Beyond Direct Layoffs
- Layoffs slowed many interconnected education aid programs even if some programs weren't directly cut.
- Critical support staff like general counsel and IT were heavily reduced, affecting the system's effectiveness.