Two judges block Trump’s student loan overhaul for public sector employees

Published July 1, 2026 3:44pm ET



Federal judges in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., blocked President Donald Trump on Tuesday from implementing changes to a federal student loan program for people working in the public sector. 

The Education Department, at Trump’s direction, recently added a new rule to its Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that was set to take effect Wednesday. The rule sought to bar use of PSLF by people who work for groups accused of operating with “substantial illegal purpose,” including organizations said to be engaged in activities such as aiding illegal immigration, supporting terrorism and trafficking, and facilitating the “chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.