The Department of Education transferred staff from its Higher Education Programs Division to the Department of Labor this week, formalizing a policy realignment that ties postsecondary oversight to workforce priorities. Assistant Secretary David Barker and Labor official Henry Mack framed the move as part of the White House’s American Talent Strategy, which seeks to align federal postsecondary programs with employer needs. The transfer consolidates program management and aims to prioritize employer-aligned training and industry credentials. Education Secretary Linda McMahon had earlier signaled redistribution of programs across agencies via interagency agreements; this personnel move operationalizes that plan. Higher education leaders and policy analysts have previously warned such shifts can change who controls funding, accountability, and program definitions. Colleges that emphasize liberal arts or traditional degree pathways may see federal engagement pivot toward vocational and industry-tied programming. The change also places federal workforce officials closer to decisions on training funds and program design, raising questions about future grant priorities and regulatory oversight.