# Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Found Illegal, Suffers Another Defeat.
President Joe Biden, known for his attempts to save democracy from the so-called threats of former president [Donald Trump](https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-trump-democracy-threat-swing-state-voters-election-poll-2024-6), recently [claimed victory](https://x.com/JoeBiden/status/1795969437595500905) on social media for relieving the student debt for over five million Americans despite opposition from the Supreme Court. Yet, in practice, his disregard for the judiciary seems rather undemocratic, reflecting a larger theme of overreaching authority throughout his presidency.
In a recent development, two federal judges have further [challenged](https://apnews.com/article/education-student-loans-lawsuit-70fd2751681b3676f130f8dbf8b5e3ba) Biden’s efforts to erase massive amounts of student loans. This follows last year’s Supreme Court decision that declared Biden’s previous attempt to cancel billions of student loan debt as unconstitutional.
## Judges Appointed by Obama Join the Opposition
On the day of the Supreme Court’s ruling against Biden’s plan, the White House brought attention to his fight for [student debt relief](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/30/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-new-actions-to-provide-debt-relief-and-support-for-student-loan-borrowers/). Undaunted, Biden has since instigated more loan forgiveness programs.
However, his latest attempts have been halted by two federal judges in Kansas and Missouri, who blocked his “SAVE” income-based repayment plan that reduces or eliminates monthly repayments and offers quicker loan cancellation. Notably, the judges were appointed by former President Barack Obama. They maintain that the new plan, estimated to cost [$475 billion](https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2023/7/17/biden-income-driven-repayment-budget-update) over a decade, is an unsanctionable expansion of income-driven repayment plans.
## Biden’s Actions Threaten Economic Well-being
Biden’s penchant for high spending not only stretches legal boundaries but also threatens the nation’s economic health. Forgiven student loans don’t just disappear; instead, this debt falls on taxpayers. This fiscal year, the deficit is projected to reach [$1.9 trillion](https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60039), and in a decade, the [national debt could exceed $50 trillion](https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/cbos-latest-budget-estimates-may-make-extending-tcja-more-complicated#:~:text=By%20late%202034%2C%20the%20federal,and%20Jobs%20Act%20(TCJA).).
The Biden administration, despite facing setbacks, remains determined to relieve borrowers. However, the detrimental impacts of such a strategy call for careful reconsideration and demand concrete actions.
Given that swing state voters show more trust in Trump than Biden for tackling [threats to democracy](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/26/biden-trump-swing-state-poll-democracy/), a change in approach on student loans can be seen as crucial for Biden.
Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or [Ingrid_Jacques](https://twitter.com/Ingrid_Jacques) on X.
## Frequently Asked Questions
##### What was Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan?
Biden’s student loan plan sought to erase billions of dollars in student loan debt, benefiting millions of students nationwide. The plan was made to decrease the financial burden on students and increase their financial freedom post-graduation.
##### Why was Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan labeled as ‘illegal’?
Biden’s plan was declared illegal because it aims to forgive or reduce student loan debt unilaterally, without taking it through Congress. This violates the separation of powers, as such a financial decision needs to be legislated. Two federal judges argued that Biden overstepped his executive power.
##### How does the failure of the plan affect students?
The failure of Biden’s plan to pass means many students are left to deal with their student debt entity without federal relief. The financial burden on these students could limit their economic choices and possibly delay life milestones such as home ownership, starting a family or saving for retirement.
