Two federal courts stepped in to block Trump administration changes that would have narrowed eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, just as the rule was set to take effect. In the District of Massachusetts, Judge Myong J. Joun ruled the Department of Education’s final PSLF rule unlawful, calling it “arbitrary and capricious” and finding the policy violates the First Amendment. The rule would have excluded borrowers working for public-service employers tied to certain “illegal activities,” including activity framed by the administration as aiding immigration or civil rights violations or supporting terrorism. Plaintiffs argued the threat of disqualification would deter people from entering public service. The decision cites the practical effect of “chilling protected speech,” with the court pointing to how the rule would reach speech and activities the department said were not the target. Separately, another Trump rule on student loan forgiveness for public servants was also struck down by two federal courts, underscoring how quickly policy changes are being challenged in court. For higher education institutions and student-service offices, the immediate impact is administrative: PSLF counseling and outreach for borrowers in qualifying employment will need to reflect the current injunction landscape while the underlying litigation continues.