New Poll Shows Americans Don’t Support Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

A recent poll conducted by the University of Chicago and the Associated Press reveals that only 3 in 10 adults approve of President Joe Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness initiative. In contrast, 4 in 10 adults express disapproval, while the remainder are either neutral or lack sufficient information to form an opinion.

The initiative, aimed at alleviating student debt for many Americans, faced a significant setback when the Supreme Court struck it down in June 2023. The court ruled 6-3 that the program did not comply with federal law, with Chief Justice John Roberts describing the decision as a straightforward interpretation of existing statutes.

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, President Biden has continued to advocate for student loan forgiveness. He has repeatedly expressed his commitment to finding a way to implement the program, emphasizing its importance in his administration’s agenda. This persistence has kept student loan forgiveness as a prominent talking point among his supporters, who often cite it as a key accomplishment of his presidency.

However, the polling data indicates a broader skepticism about the feasibility and fairness of the program. Many critics argue that canceling student debt simply transfers the financial burden to taxpayers, which they believe is an unfair solution.

Interestingly, the poll also shows that support for the initiative is not overwhelming even among those who would directly benefit from it. Among respondents with unpaid student loans, either for themselves or a family member, only 36% approve of the program, while 34% disapprove.

This mixed reaction highlights a deeper issue: while the program was intended to garner support from voters burdened by student debt, it has also raised questions about the Biden administration’s broader policy motives and effectiveness. The controversy surrounding the plan and its judicial rejection have left many questioning the administration’s approach to resolving the student debt crisis.

As the Biden administration continues to navigate this complex issue, the varying levels of public support and opposition underscore the challenges of implementing widespread policy changes in a deeply divided political landscape.