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Shockingly, only 38% of borrowers are current on their payments.
Democrats Scramble to Shield Borrowers from Consequences
Biden spent years dangling promises that had no constitutional backing. The Supreme Court repeatedly blocked his student loan forgiveness programs, yet he kept borrowers hoping for a financial bailout while collections were paused.
Now, those same borrowers are facing the consequences of six years of inaction.
Democrats have rushed to pass legislation aimed at blocking Trump’s efforts to collect defaulted loans. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Sen. Cory Booker all pushed bills to stop wage garnishment.
“No one should have their hard-earned wages, tax refunds, and Social Security checks seized by Donald Trump—and our bill would ensure they do not,” Pressley said in a May statement.³
Pressley described wage garnishment as “cruel” and claimed it unfairly impacts families who rely on every dollar. Speaking to Boston Public Radio, she added that collections are happening amid “great economic instability” caused by Trump’s policies.
“Now he’s coming for your hard-earned benefits and your money,” Pressley warned.⁴
Of course, this comes from politicians who spent years promising taxpayers would cover everyone’s student loans.
The Truth About Responsibility
Education Secretary Linda McMahon pointed to the administration that actually misled borrowers.
“The Biden Administration misled borrowers: the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear,” McMahon said. “Hundreds of billions have already been transferred to taxpayers.”⁵
Biden’s broken promises left borrowers worse off than before, and taxpayers on the hook for the fallout. More than 1.9 million borrowers couldn’t even start repayment because Biden paused processing. Since August 2024, the Department of Education hasn’t handled applications for Income-Based Repayment plans.⁶
By eliminating affordable repayment options, Biden forced borrowers into costlier programs while claiming to help.
Trump Steps In to Restore Order
The Trump administration is now enforcing legal repayment plans. Beginning in January, employers will be required to withhold up to 15% of after-tax wages for defaulted borrowers. Federal law ensures borrowers retain at least $217.50 per week, enough to meet minimum living standards.⁷
Borrowers will receive at least 30 days’ notice before garnishment begins, giving them a chance to request a hearing, pay off the loan, or arrange alternative repayment.
This is not a new problem created by Trump. Biden left borrowers in a “confusing limbo,” ignoring the law and delaying repayment after Congress mandated collections resume in October 2023.⁸
Federal student loans are backed by taxpayers—not magical money trees. More than 42 million Americans owe $1.6 trillion in student debt. Biden saddled taxpayers with the bill for reckless borrowing, while delaying accountability for borrowers.
Trump’s approach is straightforward: borrowers must take responsibility for loans they voluntarily accepted to finance their education.
Democrats may have spent years promising “free” college, but the hard truth has arrived: there is no free lunch, and someone always pays.
