With Donald Trump back in the White House, many student loan borrowers are wondering: Could my loan forgiveness be taken away? The Biden administration introduced major debt relief programs, wiping out billions in student loans. But with Trump’s return, some fear those benefits could be reversed.
So, is your loan forgiveness safe? We spoke with experts to find out.
Trump’s History with Student Loan Forgiveness
Trump has never been a fan of broad student debt relief. During his first term, he even proposed getting rid of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program—which helps teachers, nurses, and government workers have their loans forgiven. However, his attempts didn’t make it through Congress, and the program remained.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump called Biden’s loan forgiveness plans “unfair” and “illegal,” making it clear he’s against widespread debt cancellation. Now that he’s back in power, borrowers are worried he could undo some of Biden’s policies.
Can Trump Reverse Student Loan Forgiveness That’s Already Been Granted?
The good news? Experts say it’s highly unlikely that Trump can take back forgiveness that’s already been approved.
“There’s no real precedent for reversing student loan forgiveness once it’s been granted,” says Michael Brickman, a former senior official at the Department of Education. “Logistically, it would be a nightmare and likely lead to lawsuits.”
Additionally, in recent legal battles over Biden’s student debt relief programs, courts have acknowledged that once forgiveness happens, it’s nearly impossible to undo.
What Could Change for Future Borrowers?
While past forgiveness is likely safe, Trump’s policies could make it harder for future borrowers to get relief.
One of his campaign proposals involved eliminating the Department of Education, which oversees student loans and forgiveness programs. If that happens, it could completely change how student debt is managed in the U.S.
There’s also a strong chance that any student loan forgiveness programs not yet fully implemented could be scrapped. This means that if you’re waiting for forgiveness but haven’t received it yet, you should stay informed and act fast.
What Should Borrowers Do Now?
If you have student loans, here’s what you should do to protect yourself:
Check your loan status – If you qualify for forgiveness, make sure your paperwork is complete ASAP before any policy changes take effect.
Stay informed – Follow updates from the Department of Education and official government sources.
Consider alternative repayment plans – If forgiveness becomes harder to get, look into income-driven repayment plans that could lower your monthly payments.
Advocate for borrower rights – Join groups that fight to protect student loan benefits and speak up about policy changes.
Final Thoughts
While Trump’s administration is expected to roll back many of Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiatives, experts believe it’s nearly impossible for him to take back relief that has already been granted.
However, the future of student loan forgiveness programs remains uncertain. Borrowers should stay alert, complete necessary paperwork quickly, and prepare for possible changes in how student loans are managed under the new administration.
