What does the Trump administration mean for young people?

With the recent news of a proposed TikTok ban in the United States, Hillhead Review examines some of the other ways that this new administration will shape the lives of American students and young people.

The Trump administration will do no favours for the US education system. Firstly, Linda McMahon has been nominated as Education Secretary, whose only real experience in this field is one year on the Connecticut Board of Education. Controversially, Trump sought to have the Department of Education abolished, due to the so-called “radical left maniacs” who determine how public schools operate (bearing in mind, his definition of radical left in this context would arguably be seen as moderate and progressive in the United Kingdom). To do so he would require 60 out of 100 senators to approve it, which is unlikely as the Republican Party currently has 53 seats. Therefore, this is set to be an unfulfilled campaign promise. However, he can change how the Department’s Office for Civil Rights deals with complaints from schools and universities. 

School funding may also be affected. There is a threat of cuts to schools that teach “critical race theory, gender ideology, or other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content”; clearly, there are fundamental problems with Trump’s regressive stance on the education system. The federal government does not have the direct power to change curricula; that is down to states and local school boards. The 10% of public-school funding from the federal government is typically used to help students in high-poverty K-12 schools. Therefore, the plan to cut costs in this area could have disastrous effects in deprived neighbourhoods; more proof - if needed - that Trump is no friend of the working classes.

Regarding the student loan burden, the President has not made any specific pledges. However, the administration will have to make decisions on Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan for repayment, which is currently tied up in court. It was set to decrease monthly repayments and decrease the period of eligibility for loan forgiveness. It also included means-testing by linking the repayments to family size and income. This plan was challenged by Republicans, who disagreed with the loan forgiveness element of the plan and argued that it is not in the President’s remit to make such changes. It seems unreasonable to oppose a move to make student debt somewhat manageable, especially in a country where the national average student loan debt is around $30,000.

Lastly, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are under attack, with three of Trump’s executive orders targeting them. It is concerning that this move will impact university campuses and schools, where initiatives and programs have helped historically underrepresented groups by removing barriers to opportunities and career progression. This could lead to an increase in educational inequity, as the Trump Administration is equating diversity efforts with discrimination. 

Considering the effects that these plans could have on students and young people, it is difficult not to feel pessimistic about what the next four years will hold for them. In his inauguration speech, Trump said that the “golden age of America” is starting now; but it looks like this will only be the case for a privileged few.

Published 8 February 2025