Millions Could Lose Housing Aid Under Trump Plan

Published: Monday, September 29, 2025 at 9:00 am

Trump Administration Plans to Restrict Federal Housing Assistance

According to documents obtained by ProPublica, the Trump administration is considering new rules that could significantly restrict federal housing assistance programs. These proposed changes, currently in draft form, could impact approximately 4 million people who currently rely on this aid. The plans include potential time limits on living in public housing, work requirements for many recipients, and the potential loss of aid for entire families if one member is in the country illegally.

The proposed rules would overhaul major housing programs serving some of the nation's poorest residents. The first rule would allow local housing authorities and landlords to implement work requirements and time limits in four major federal housing programs: public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers and Project-Based Rental Assistance. Residents, including both parents in two-parent households, could be required to work up to 40 hours a week, and time limits could be as short as two years. The second rule targets mixed-status households, potentially making them ineligible for assistance. This rule would also require U.S. citizens applying for or currently receiving housing assistance to provide documents proving their citizenship.

Experts and advocates have voiced concerns that these changes could weaken the social safety net, potentially leading to increased homelessness and hardship. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which drafted the rules, estimates that the changes could increase the government's rental assistance costs by up to $370 million annually, while also creating $100 million in new costs related to citizenship verification.

These proposals are not entirely new. Similar policies were attempted during the first Trump administration but were not implemented. The current administration's renewed efforts come amid historically high rents and home prices. The proposed rules are currently under review and could undergo changes before being officially proposed.

BNN's Perspective:

While the stated goals of promoting economic self-sufficiency and ensuring program integrity are important, the potential impact of these proposed rules on vulnerable populations warrants careful consideration. A balanced approach that addresses concerns about program efficiency while safeguarding the well-being of those who rely on housing assistance is crucial.

Keywords: housing assistance, Trump administration, public housing, work requirements, time limits, mixed-status families, HUD, federal housing programs, homelessness, rental assistance, Section 8, housing vouchers, social safety net, poverty, citizenship verification

Full Story