Trump 2.0: Exactly What We Feared

President Trump’s first month in office has been a horrifying validation of the fears many of us held at the prospect of the former president coming back into power. 

Predictably, he wasted no time making good on his campaign promises: from mass deportation of undocumented immigrants without due process, the targeting “sanctuary cities” and imposing hefty tariffs that will raise prices on domestic goods to dismantling federal agencies and attempting to purge the federal workforce of anyone who is not a loyalist. To be sure, the president’s actions are a precursor to societal fracture, chaos and suffering for large numbers of Americans. 

Then there is the President’s executive order terminating “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or DEI” programs.  Higher education has long served as a powerful engine of social mobility, creating a more level playing field and opening pathways to economic security, particularly for Black and brown communities. By attacking DEI programs, Trump is not only undoing decades of progress but also misleading the public with the false narrative that these initiatives lower standards—when in fact, they expand opportunities, promote excellence, and build a more inclusive and equitable society. 

No doubt, the next four years of this presidency will test the country’s resolve and fidelity to democratic values and principles of equality. Of course, Black people have overcome greater threats than Donald Trump—and we will again, drawing on the courage and resilience our ancestors showed in the face of systemic racism, violence and discrimination. Still, we’ve seen glimmers of hope: advocates and state attorneys general are mounting constitutional challenges to executive orders that violate the  separation of powers, and federal judges are blocking Trump’s attempts to push the limits of his authority. Just as importantly, state leaders have a crucial role to play, using their power to counteract harmful federal policies and protect civil rights at the local level.

The Future of USDOE and Student Loan Borrowers

In New York, we are counting on leaders to step up to mitigate the impact of destructive policy and regulatory measures. Of particular concern are the steps the White House could take to significantly impact New York’s 2.4 million student loan borrowers. 

With the president threatening to shut down the Department of Education (USDOE), reduce its workforce and granting Elon Musk access to borrower data, there is great uncertainty around the administration of Title VI programs, including student loans, and the potential for disruptions and security risks.  The dismantling of the USDOE would weaken protections for student loan holders, including critical oversight of companies that manage loans. 

During Trump’s first term, a report by the USDOE’s Inspector General found that the department rarely held loan servicers accountable for instances of noncompliance with federal loan servicing requirements resulting in consumers losing money. The president also wants to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which protects consumers from unfair, deceptive and predatory financial practices.  

Federal aid programs such as Pell Grants, work-study and subsidized loans which provide essential financial support for low-income college students, could also be at risk. 

EDCAP Funding is More Important Than Ever

Under Governor Hochul, New York has expanded resources for student loan borrowers and made it easier for them to access the help they need to manage their loans and protect their financial futures. The governor’s support for EDCAP – the-first-in-the-nation student loan consumer assistance program – ensures that borrowers are not left to fend for themselves amid policy shifts and economic challenges. Her commitment to higher education access and affordability underscores the urgent need to sustain and expand programs like EDCAP. [Full Disclosure: EDCAP is operated by the Community Service Society of New York.]

The threat of a diminished Department of Education and potential instability in federal student loan management underscores the imperative to fund programs like EDCAP. Without dedicated support, millions of borrowers could face misinformation, lost records, and confusion about their repayment options. Many borrowers already struggle with unaffordable monthly payments, making repayment extremely tight. 

Outside of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, options for forgiveness remain slim, leaving borrowers with little relief. EDCAP’s services are crucial in helping individuals navigate these challenges and avoid financial distress. Given the looming changes, we urge borrowers to take proactive steps to secure their student loan records:

• Log into StudentAid.gov to take screenshots of your loan dashboard, including Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) progress, and download your “My Aid Data” file to preserve a complete history of your federal loans.
• Download records from your loan servicer to maintain a personal archive of your payment history and correspondence.
• Update your StudentAid.gov password and enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
• Consider a credit freeze with major credit bureaus to protect against unauthorized access or fraud. It is free. 
• Try to save as much as possible to build a financial cushion and keep your credit in good standing.
• Do not ignore your student loans—check the minimum payment amount and include it in your monthly budget.

Unlike the President, New York’s Governor and State Legislature are looking out for the student loan borrowers. We applaud them. 

Issues Covered