Challenges Arise as U.S. Education Department Rehires After Staff Cuts

President Donald Trump’s intention to close the U.S. Department of Education faces challenges due to the essential tasks that the agency conducts. Following significant staff reductions last year, the department’s student loan office is now in a hiring surge. According to documents obtained by NPR, the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) is seeking to add around 380 new employees.

FSA manages the nation’s $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio, handling communications with 43 million borrowers, repayment plans, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In a recent internal meeting, FSA disclosed that it currently has 731 full-time equivalent staff, half of its pre-Trump administration workforce of 1,440. It aims to hire an additional 334 to meet its objectives, having already recruited 52 since September.

Rachel Gittleman, a former FSA staffer and president of AFGE Local 252, emphasizes the importance of these roles: “Our jobs matter and are necessary for the federal student loan system to function properly for borrowers.” Ellen Keast, the department’s press secretary, explained that state-run education does not negate the need for essential programs.

Politico first reported the hiring news, with Keast noting that none of the positions are being filled by former employees returning. Gittleman, however, notes that the roles being advertised resemble those lost during mass layoffs. The cost of recruiting, hiring, and training remains uncertain, as FSA continues to manage critical tasks like rolling out new student loan limits and repayment plans.

An investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed lapses in FSA’s review of loan servicers’ accuracy following last year’s cuts. Education Secretary Linda McMahon admitted reductions sometimes went too far, leading to some staff rehirings.

“You always just want to cut fat. … Sometimes you cut into the muscle and you cut a little too deep,” said McMahon.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), affected by deep cuts, struggled with processing civil rights complaints, costing taxpayers significantly. GAO reports estimated these costs between $28.5 million and $38 million.

Ten new interagency agreements, including transferring FSA responsibilities to the Treasury Department, have been introduced to delegate work. However, Keast explained that Education Department staff will still manage these programs, creating confusion during a Senate hearing.

The transfer led to comments from Secretary McMahon that perplexed lawmakers, suggesting that employees are relocated rather than replaced. Senator Tammy Baldwin expressed skepticism at this arrangement, questioning its efficacy.

NPR interviews reveal former staff, like one anonymous ex-FSA worker, are reapplying for similar roles. This process involves new probing questions, such as about commitment to the Constitution and administration priorities, which some feel seeks loyalty to the current administration.