The American Federation of Teachers filed renewed court papers and public criticism after the Education Department reported a backlog exceeding 800,000 pending applications for income‑driven repayment and other forgiveness programs. The union argues the department has failed to honour settlements and processing commitments, with only a tiny fraction of eligible borrowers receiving promised relief. AFT president Randi Weingarten called the backlog “eye‑popping” and accused Education Secretary Linda McMahon of mismanaging the process amid staffing cuts. The department agreed to processing milestones in prior settlements but continues to face operational shortfalls and long delays. The backlog affects recent graduates, public‑service employees and borrowers pursuing PSLF, and it leaves trustees, financial‑aid directors and student‑affairs leaders facing reputational and enrollment risks tied to perceptions of federal unreliability.