Presidential Directives on Loan Forgiveness, World Cup, and More
March 07, 2025
Restricting Public Service Loan Forgiveness
President Trump signed an Executive Order and related Fact Sheet changing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The order aims to prevent taxpayer funds from going to organizations that the administration deems harmful to national security and American values.
The order directs the Secretary of Education to redefine "public service" to exclude organizations engaging in activities with a "substantial illegal purpose". These include aiding or abetting illegal immigration, supporting terrorism (including providing funding to cartels), child abuse (specifically mentioning chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children and trafficking to so-called transgender sanctuary states), engaging in a pattern of aiding and abetting illegal discrimination, and engaging in a pattern of violating state tort laws (such as trespassing, vandalism, and obstruction of highways).
This action aligns with other second-term efforts to shift taxpayer funding away from initiatives like "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) in federal contracting, funding of abortion overseas (reinstating the Mexico City Policy), and what the administration calls radical indoctrination in K-12 schools.
The administration argues that the prior administration abused the PSLF program, using it to forgive loans for individuals not meeting statutory requirements. They also claim the PSLF program can inflate tuition costs, burden students with unsustainable debt in low-demand fields, and incentivize involvement with organizations that are detrimental to national interests while hiding under non-profit status.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force
President Trump established a White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing its potential to boost economic growth, tourism, and showcase national pride during the nation's 250th anniversary.
The task force will coordinate federal government support for the event's planning, organization, and execution. Member agencies will submit reports on their related activities by June 1, 2025.
The task force will be chaired by the President, with the Vice President as Vice Chair. An Executive Director, reporting to the President through the Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation, will manage daily operations.
National Consumer Protection Week
President Trump proclaimed March 2-8, 2025, as National Consumer Protection Week, highlighting the importance of consumer rights, privacy, and transparency.
The proclamation mentions actions to halt "aggressive regulatory overreach" stifling cryptocurrency growth and to increase transparency in drug pricing.
It encourages Americans to utilize resources from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and participate in consumer education activities.
White House Spring Garden Tours
First Lady Melania Trump announced that the White House gardens will be open for public tours on April 5th and 6th, 2025. Free timed tickets are required and will be distributed by the National Park Service. A list of prohibited items is provided, including backpacks, food and beverages, weapons, and selfie sticks. Medical necessities are permitted with proper identification and explanation to Secret Service personnel.