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The same Washington, D.C. judge who blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to halt all federal loans, grants and financial assistance last week reaffirmed the temporary ban on Monday.

The decision comes after several executive departments and government-funded organizations reported they were still not receiving federal funding despite the block. Many of these groups focus on issues Trump has deemed unnecessary for federal funding, like climate change and promoting diversity.

Trump’s plans have also created uncertainty for many college students across the United States that depend on federal student financial aid, as the executive order didn’t specify which programs would be affected by the freeze.

Fifty-five percent of undergraduate students nationwide rely on federal financial aid, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. At Syracuse University, more than 82% of students receive some form of grant or scholarship.

In a campus-wide email Tuesday afternoon, SU Chancellor Kent Syverud addressed concerns from the campus community about the Trump administration’s executive orders and policies. Syverud said SU’s government relations department is working with its federal delegation and university administrators to assess potential impacts on students. He also said the university’s Office of Research is communicating with faculty and students about impacts to their work.
“Despite new and forthcoming changes in federal law and guidance, what remains constant is Syracuse University’s commitment to being a university welcoming to all,” Syverud said in the statement.

Trump’s order, originally set to take effect Jan. 28 at 5 p.m., aimed to freeze funding for several federal programs, including universal school lunches and Medicaid. The freeze would remain in place until policies and systems upholding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility were removed from the institutions in question.

During his first term and throughout his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized the Department of Education, the agency responsible for FAFSA. He claimed the DOE was “indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material.”

Trump, who is working to dismantle the DOE, reportedly told his nominee for DOE secretary, Linda McMahon, to “do a great job and put yourself out of a job,” according to the New York Post. McMahon hasn’t been confirmed for the position yet, but has publicly echoed Trump’s stance. Trump hopes to return power from the department to the states.

During Trump’s first term, his administration implemented major changes to federal financial aid for college, cutting key government funding programs in opposition to student loan forgiveness. Former President Joe Biden forgave billions in student loans during his term.

Trump’s campaign has previously proposed cuts to federal financial aid, including tightening eligibility requirements on Pell Grants. Pell Grants are federally funded grants awarded based on financial need. Academic grades and extracurricular activities do not factor into Pell Grant eligibility.

The order clarified that federal dollars “received directly” would not be affected, referring to funding that goes to people directly. Since federal student loans and Pell Grants are sent directly to schools — never reaching students themselves — students have expressed concern over the possibility of these programs being cut. The percentage of Pell Grant recipients at SU has declined since 2012.

Subsidized student loans, which are based on family income, are another financial aid program that could face cuts under Trump. If cut, students would be required to pay interest on their loans while still in school.
Although the Trump administration has not made any official decisions on student loan forgiveness, the president’s prior comments have consistently opposed Biden’s pro-forgiveness policies.

Published on February 4, 2025 at 10:24 pm

Contact Madeline: mmgoodhe@syr.edu