GUEST COLUMN, Jorge Martinez, America First Works
Thanks to the bold leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, America is taking a decisive step toward restoring commonsense and accountability in our Nation’s student loan system.
For far too long, the Biden-Harris Administration used federal student loans as a political tool, prioritizing short-term popularity over long-term stability. Since March 2020, collections on defaulted loans have been suspended under the guise of pandemic relief. Yet even after pandemic conditions subsided, the Biden-Harris Administration continued its reckless “on-ramp” strategies and unconstitutional loan cancellation schemes, leaving taxpayers exposed to hundreds of billions of dollars in unpaid debt. The facts are staggering: Over 42 million borrowers owe more than $1.6 trillion, with nearly 10 million borrowers either already in default or at imminent risk.
While Congress mandated a return to repayment in October 2023, the Biden-Harris administration refused to act. In contrast, President Trump’s America First agenda has always prioritized transparency, the rule of law, and fiscal prudence. Under Secretary McMahon, the Department is now executing a smart, compassionate, and lawful strategy: restart collections while offering support and clear options to help borrowers get back on track.
Secretary McMahon said it best: “American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies.” This simple yet powerful principle is what distinguishes responsible leadership from ideological overreach. The executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to “cancel” student debt at will. Pretending otherwise is not just dishonest — it’s damaging. It undermines trust in our institutions and sends a dangerous message that financial commitments can be erased by political whim.
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The data paints a troubling picture. Only 38% of borrowers are currently repaying their loans on time. Over 5 million borrowers haven’t made a single payment in more than a year, and 4 million more are severely delinquent. If action had not been taken, nearly a quarter of the entire federal student loan portfolio would soon be in default. This is not sustainable, nor is it fair to the millions of hardworking Americans who did not take out loans, paid theirs off, or chose more affordable educational paths.
With collections set to resume, the Department is also offering real tools for recovery. Borrowers will receive targeted outreach over the next two weeks and will have the opportunity to avoid wage garnishment through simple steps: contacting the Default Resolution Group, enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan, or starting loan rehabilitation. Federal Student Aid is also launching user-friendly tools like a redesigned Loan Simulator, an AI assistant “Aiden,” and extended customer service hours to ensure that every borrower has access to the support they need.
Let’s be clear: This is not a punishment — it’s a plan. A plan that balances accountability with compassion. It also reflects a vision for higher education that works for students, not against taxpayers.
As we look ahead, we stand proudly with President Trump and Secretary McMahon in the effort to restore balance, legality, and fairness to our education system. We support strong partnerships with states, schools, and service providers to help borrowers return to repayment and succeed. But most importantly, we support the principle that with freedom comes responsibility — and that includes the responsibility to repay one’s debts.
In the end, this is about more than student loans. It’s about preserving the integrity of America’s institutions and protecting the future of our economy. The American taxpayer cannot — and should not — be left holding the bag for political promises that were never constitutional to begin with,
It’s time to return to responsibility. And thanks to President Trump and Secretary McMahon, we’re on the right path once again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR — Jorge Martinez is Senior Advisor and National Director of Hispanic Outreach for the America First Works. He previously served as press secretary for the U.S. Department of Justice.
