The Department of Education took additional steps this week that effectively blocks affordable repayment plans and student loan forgiveness for millions of borrowers.

The Trump administration has taken down the applications for popular student loan repayment plans from the U.S. Department of Education's website.

The Department of Education was created by Congress in 1979 to track, manage and coordinate education programs and procedures at the federal level. Trump advisers have said they want to call on Congress to abolish the department, a move that's been floated over the years by Republicans but has always failed to gain widespread support.