CBC calls Trump suspension of USDA 1890 Scholars program ‘outrageous'

The Hill

21-02-2025

The Congressional Black Caucus is calling on President Trump to reinstate an education program designed to support students from rural and underserved communities pursuing degrees in agriculture and related fields at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture indefinitely suspended the 1890 Scholarship Program on Thursday. According to the USDA's website, the program is 'pending further review.'
'The Trump Administration's decision to suspend the 1890 Scholars Program 'pending further review' is an outrageous disruption that undermines efforts to make higher education accessible for Black students and correct our nation's history of systemic racial discrimination within the land-grant system,' Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), chair of the CBC, said on Friday.
'President Trump repeatedly promised the American people that he would work to lower the costs of living and create greater access to economic opportunity, including for Black communities,' she continued. 'Since January 20th, 2025 this administration has been on a cruel rampage, showing us every day that hard working Americans are not their priority. Instead of working to make our lives better, the Trump administration continues to try to take our country backward.'
The USDA did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment, but the Trump administration has issued a multitude of executive orders rolling back federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
The program, established in 1992, provides full tuition, room and board to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences or related fields.
Last year, more than $19 million was allocated to 94 students across 19 HBCUs participating in the program.
Applications for the program close March 1, and the CBC is calling on Trump to reinstate the program ahead of the deadline.
'For decades, this program has been vital to the success of the agriculture industry, and CBC has championed this historic and bipartisan program to open doors to talented students from underserved communities,' Clarke said.
Members of the CBC have expressed outrage over the suspension, warning of the outsized impact the pause will have on Black students seeking to enter the agricultural field.
Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) called the suspension a 'clear attack on an invaluable program' making higher education accessible.
'This program is a correction to a long history of racial discrimination within the land-grant system, not an example of it,' said Adams, adding the suspension is 'targeted and mean-spirited.'
Rep. Shantel Brown (D-Ohio) added that the move is 'another egregious attack on fairness and opportunity' from Trump's administration.
'Freezing a scholarship program for students from rural and underserved communities to study agriculture punishes talented students and hurts our future,' said Brown.
USDA said students in the program would be able to complete it.
'To be clear, every scholar — over 300 — regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department. In line with President Trump's directive, USDA is optimizing operations and strengthening its ability to serve farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Like other programs within the Department, Secretary Rollins will continue to review the 1890 National Scholars Program, its mission, and its metrics to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer resources,' a USDA spokesperson told The Hill.