Biden Drags His Feet on Canceling Student Debt Despite Campaign Pledge

Students, campaigners, and top Democrats have been pushing President Joe Biden to use executive authority to cancel at least $50,000 in student loan debt per person. Student loan debt in the U.S. stands at $1.7 trillion, with some 45 million people owing money.

Filmmaker and organizer Astra Taylor, an author, documentary director and organizer with the Debt Collective, says Biden has clear legal authority to cancel student debt. "Not doing this is a choice," she says.

DN also speaks with Braxton Brewington, a digital strategist with the Debt Collective, who says student debt cancellation is also politically smart. "President Biden has a unique opportunity to bring together a broad coalition of individuals who otherwise would be unlikely to come together around a policy," he says.

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