Trump Put Us Back in the Slums

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) house 10 percent of all African American students. According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, these institutions were founded to provide educational access to Black students during post-slavery America, when most colleges were segregated and White-only. Today, HBCUs remain vital to Black excellence, leadership, and innovation. However, President Donald Trump’s 2025 address to Congress introduced sweeping federal changes that directly affect HBCU students. From executive orders to funding cuts and ideological rollbacks, the policies outlined in his speech threaten the accessibility, affordability, and equity of higher education for Black communities. 

During his address, Trump celebrated the elimination of over $100 million in DEI contracts at the Department of Education and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. He also praised the termination of federal programs he deemed “wasteful,” many of which supported marginalized communities. These actions mirror the goals of Project 2025, a nearly 900-page conservative policy agenda that calls for the

removal of terms like “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” from all federal agencies, grants, and regulations. 

Project 2025 goes further, proposing the dismantling of civil rights protections, the politicization of federal hiring, and the defunding of public education in favor of privatized models. For HBCUs, this would mean fewer federal grants, limited access to internships and research funding, and weakened protections for students facing discrimination. The plan’s emphasis on “colorblindness” and “meritocracy” ignores the systemic barriers HBCU students often overcome and threatens to erase the very policies designed to support them. 

In tandem, Trump’s executive actions and Project 2025’s roadmap represent a rollback of progress. If implemented fully, they would undermine the mission of HBCUs and jeopardize the futures of thousands of students who rely on these institutions for empowerment, education, and equity. 

One of the most significant announcements during Trump’s address was the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. This department has already eliminated $101 million in DEI contracts at the Department of Education. Trump also cited the termination of federal programs he deemed “wasteful,” including international DEI scholarships and social equity initiatives. For HBCUs, this means the loss of critical research grants and institutional support. His administration has already canceled over $140 million in federal research grants to HBCUs, citing “disparate impact” as unlawful discrimination. These cuts include $24 million at North Carolina A&T and $11 million at Howard University. Without these funds, HBCUs face barriers to growth, innovation, and student success.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is another example of funding that was cut. Established in 1992, it provides full tuition, room and board, and professional development for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resources, and related sciences at 19 land-grant HBCUs. In 2024 alone, the program awarded $19.2 million to 94 students, including those at Alabama A&M and Tuskegee University. These students are enrolled in high-demand fields such as food science, forestry, and agricultural economics majors that directly impact national food security and environmental sustainability. 

Trump’s speech also made clear his administration’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. He declared the end of “woke” policies across the federal government, military, and private sector, emphasizing hiring based on “skill and competence, not race or gender.” He signed executive orders banning critical race theory in schools and declared that there are “only two genders: male and female.” For HBCU students, this rollback dismantles pathways to internships, fellowships, and federal employment. DEI programs have historically helped level the playing field for underrepresented students. Their removal threatens career development and post-graduate opportunities, especially in competitive fields.

While not directly addressed in the speech, Trump’s previously enacted “Big Beautiful Bill” reshaped federal loan programs. Starting July 2026, Parent PLUS loans will be capped at $20,000 per student annually, far below the cost of many HBCU tuitions. Income-driven repayment plans will also be eliminated, increasing financial strain on families. Affordability is a cornerstone of HBCU accessibility. Without supportive loan structures, many students may be forced to reconsider their college plans altogether. 

Trump’s speech also included broader economic and immigration policies that indirectly affect HBCU communities. His aggressive stance on border security and the designation of foreign gangs as terrorist organizations may heighten surveillance and policing in urban areas, including those surrounding HBCU campuses. His emphasis on tariffs and domestic manufacturing may shift job markets, but it remains unclear whether these changes will benefit HBCU graduates or limit their opportunities in global industries. 

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s 2025 address to Congress was more than a political showcase; it signaled a shift in federal priorities that directly affect HBCU students. Funding cuts, DEI rollbacks, and loan restrictions are not isolated policies; they are interconnected forces

that threaten the mission and sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. If politics continue to override equity, the future of HBCUs and the students they serve, may be at risk. Safeguarding these institutions requires intentional policy, community advocacy, and a recommitment to educational justice.