President Biden is once again trying to implement a student loan forgiveness program that would cancel debts for 25 million Americans. After a previous attempt was blocked by the Supreme Court, the Biden administration is seeking to gain charity with some voters by announcing a new, although scaled back, plan. This announcement has caused a variety of reactions – many of which are negative.

Overall, people seem skeptical and disapproving of Biden’s most recent student loan forgiveness attempt. Those who have loans to be included in the debt forgiveness are most likely to be supportive. However, those who do express support still seem to hold some reservations.

Suspicion That Biden’s Motives Are Cynical

In general, many voters express a deeply negative view of the Biden administration. They tend to view this move to forgive student loans as a cloying attempt to find positive campaign initiatives in the face of border and economic backlash.

A vast majority of online comments are extremely critical of President Biden and Vice President Harris, as some call for their impeachment. The language used is often strong, with some labeling Biden and Harris as "traitors," "imbeciles," and "the worst president and vice president."

Some voters accuse Biden of having achieved nothing significant during this administration. They argue Biden has done more harm than good and is therefore grasping for something – in this case debt forgiveness – to attract voters.

Many accuse Biden of misrepresenting the administration’s actions and intentions. They argue the administration is misleading the public about its ability to address certain issues like loan forgiveness at the federal level. Voters frequently criticize Biden, accusing him of lying, being ineffective, and being un-American.

• Sentiment towards universities is similar among both Democrats and Republicans, hovering around 50% approval.
• Biden approval on the topic of universities is slightly lower, averaging 46% in the last week.

Reactions to the Debt Forgiveness Program

Commentary on Biden’s most recent student loan forgiveness plan encompasses multiple concerns. Some include:

Affordability Concerns

Voters highlight the increasing costs of higher education, and the challenges students face in repaying their loans. This is mostly the group who have or had student loan debt and are more likely to express support.

Opposition Based on Personal Responsibility

Many others argue that anyone who took out loans should be responsible for paying them back. This tends to be among demographics that value personal responsibility and fiscal conservatism.

Accusations of Pandering to Privilege

Many voters point out Biden is offering an olive branch to higher economic classes and those who went to college, ignoring lower income Americans. They argue the plan panders to the privileged class, which Democrats and Biden himself often decry.

Criticism of Higher Education System

Some voters express discontent with the current state of higher education, including high salaries for college presidents and the shifting of cost burdens onto students. These voters are more likely to criticize the cost of education overall.

Skepticism About Implementation

Many question whether the President has the authority to forgive student loans or express doubt about the execution of such a plan. There is skepticism about the feasibility and practicality of loan forgiveness, and many argue Biden is simply trying to buy votes, knowing the plan is not feasible in reality.

Limited Support Among Those with Student Loans

Supporters appreciate Biden's attempt to rectify what they view as a problematic system of funding for higher education. Some who have paid off their loans say they still appreciate Biden's initiative to address this issue. However, they also express some skepticism, withholding full support until they see how certain legal challenges pan out.

While there is some approval among Biden’s voter base and those who would benefit, the negativity is much stronger. MIG Reports analysis reveals mostly negative conversation regarding Biden and student loans, his 2024 campaign, and his administration overall. The discussion about student loan debts often branches into adjacent issues as voters voice their disapproval.