U.S NewsNPRThu, May 21, 2026, 9:00 AMNeutral

The Education Department is hiring — while it's being dismantled

The Federal Student Aid office, which experienced a significant reduction in staff under the Trump administration, is now in the process of hiring hundreds of new employees. This shift comes after the office lost half of its workforce last year due to downsizing efforts aimed at restructuring the education bureaucracy.

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    The Federal Student Aid office, which experienced a significant reduction in staff under the Trump administration, is now in the process of hiring hundreds of new employees. This shift comes after the office lost half of its workforce last year due to downsizing efforts aimed at restructuring the education bureaucracy.

  • Why It Matters

    The hiring initiative is critical for the Federal Student Aid office as it seeks to restore its capacity to manage federal student loans and assist borrowers effectively, particularly in light of previous staffing cuts that may have hindered its operations.

  • The Bigger Picture

    This development highlights a broader trend within the Trump administration, which has been characterized by significant layoffs and restructuring across various federal agencies, raising questions about the future of public service and the effectiveness of educational programs amidst ongoing bureaucratic changes.

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