Education Department Faces Hiring Surge Amidst Dismantling Efforts
Despite President Trump's plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the agency is experiencing a hiring surge, particularly within the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA). The FSA, which manages the nation's $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio, is adding approximately 380 new workers. This hiring comes after a significant reduction in staff last year, which saw the department's workforce halved. The hiring is necessary to manage critical functions such as borrower communications and repayment plans. The department's press secretary for higher education, Ellen Keast, stated that critical programs will continue despite efforts to return education responsibilities to the states.