Trump administration drastically alters student debt relief

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: USA Today

Updated Oct. 30, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET


WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is moving forward with sweeping changes to a key student debt relief program that will likely trigger a court battle in the coming days.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, the Education Department finalized new rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which allows people in specialized careers – such as nursing, firefighting, teaching and certain types of nonprofit work – to have their student debt canceled after 10 years of timely payments. The program was mismanaged for years until recently, when former President Joe Biden reformed it, ultimately forgiving billions of dollars in debt for more than 1 million Americans.

President Donald Trump has vowed to rein in PSLF. The new regulations, which have been in the works for months, would limit the types of employers whose workers would qualify to have their debt forgiven. Specifically, the rules prevent businesses and organizations that have engaged in activities with a "substantial illegal purpose" from being eligible to participate.

Yet it's not clear exactly what the Education Department will ultimately define as an "illegal" activity. According to the new regulations, such conduct will likely include providing support for undocumented immigrants, gender-affirming care for minors, supporting "terrorism" and aiding and abetting "illegal discrimination."

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/30/public-service-loan-forgiveness-changes-trump/86982943007/

[Vogon_Glory]

1. Of course Orange Julius and his pals would hatchet student debt relief. Still,

I wonder how many clueless young college kids from struggling families were fool enough to vote for him last year.

More than a few, I reckon.

[Lonestarblue]

2. Trump and his sycophants consider it illegal to hire women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ instead of white men.

Whatever Trump declares illegal is now illegal. The King has spoken!

[Martin Eden]

3. The Convicted Felon and his minions get to decide what is "illegal"

As opposed to actual laws that are in place, subject to prosecution.

[MichMan]

4. If only Congress would have passed forgiveness in 2021-2022

Wouldn't be having this discussion right now

[dpibel]

5. One of your weaker efforts

1. The loan forgiveness Biden tried to do (which you are implying Congress could have easily done) was entirely different from the program at issue here. This program already existed; the Republicans are trying to kill it.

2. You are referring, of course to the halcyon days when the Democrats had both a majority in the House and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, and could thus pass any legislation they wanted to.

Other than that, however, you've once again drolly demonstrated why Democrats shouldn't cavil about Republicans breaking things.

Better luck with your next try.