Story perspectives

Federal Shift Raises Concerns for Student Loan Borrowers

3/20/2026

Center

Trump Ends Payment Pause

The U.S. Department of Education transferred responsibilities to other agencies including the Department of Labor.
The shift raises questions about the federal role.
Congress rejected funding-cut proposals, preserving federal support.
More than 500,000 student loan borrowers face a backlog in accessing income-driven repayment plans, with no debt forgiveness reported in February 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to end the payment pause this spring, raising concerns about defaults.

Right

Education Department Enforces Exclusions

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is celebrating one year of enforcing policies that exclude biological males from women's sports, initiated by President Trump's executive order.
ED reports that institutions are prioritizing female athletes and academic standards, with several states and organizations, including the NCAA, updating policies to restrict women's sports to those assigned female at birth.
San Jose State University (SJSU) faces conflict with ED over alleged Title IX violations involving a transgender athlete.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has warned SJSU of potential funding cuts if the issue is not resolved by the end of the month.

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Trump Ends Payment Pause

The U.S. Department of Education transferred responsibilities to other agencies including the Department of Labor.
The shift raises questions about the federal role.
Congress rejected funding-cut proposals, preserving federal support.
More than 500,000 student loan borrowers face a backlog in accessing income-driven repayment plans, with no debt forgiveness reported in February 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to end the payment pause this spring, raising concerns about defaults.

1 / 2