Madison experts say that an executive order from President Donald Trump could target first responders, teachers, doctors, and nonprofit employees in line for student debt relief, according to The Capital Times. The order would revoke student loan forgiveness for public service workers whose organizations “harm our national security and American values.”
A broad interpretation of the order could apply to organizations that are involved in activities Trump opposes, such as certain types of health care for those in the LGBTQ+ community, or that protest policies the president supports.
Only an act of Congress can undo the loan forgiveness program for public services workers, however, since Congress enacted it in 2007, so the Trump administration cannot make changes on its own.
Public service loan forgiveness, under current law, provides student loan relief to those who work in public government, first responders, teachers, medical workers, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit employees. After working for 10 years in a qualifying public service profession and making minimum monthly payments each month over that time, employees have their remaining student loan balance forgiven.
