What Does Trump's Budget Cuts Mean For Black Students in Missouri?

As the fall semester commences, numerous students at Missouri's public universities face challenges linked to a new federal budget. This budget, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4th, dramatically impacts essential programs vital for student retention.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) sparked significant backlash due to its substantial cuts to public aid, including Medicare and Medicaid, along with a staggering $75 billion surge in funding for ICE. Notably, education funding faces a brutal $350 billion reduction, striking low-income students and those with disabilities the hardest. Black students, often first-generation and low-income, are especially vulnerable, as this legislation deepens existing disparities.While some programs like TRiO continue to receive funding, the overall cuts threaten crucial support systems. In Missouri, approximately 67,000 students rely on Pell Grants, with this safety net potentially shrinking, complicating their educational journeys amid increasing costs and insufficient resources. The political landscape surrounding these changes creates uncertainty and concern for the future of disadvantaged students in higher education.