Trump Administration Launches Financial Literacy Campaign for Student Loan Borrowers Amid Staffing Concerns

The U.S. Department of Education has shifted its Office of the Ombudsman from handling complaints to spearheading a financial literacy initiative for student loan borrowers. The MOVE aims to provide clearer guidance before students take on debt, but questions linger about execution after March layoffs depleted staff.

More than 42 million Americans carry federal student debt, with 6 million delinquent and 5 million in default. "These sobering numbers demand proactive solutions," said Undersecretary Nicholas Kent, framing the policy change as preventative rather than reactive.

Education analyst Mark Kantrowitz voiced skepticism: "The real question is whether there's anybody left in the Ombudsman's office to do any of this." The department hasn't clarified how reduced personnel will manage expanded responsibilities during peak student borrowing seasons.