White House Proposes 40% Cut to Section 8 Vouchers

The Trump administration has proposed a drastic overhaul of federal rental assistance, including slashing Department of Housing and Urban Development funding by about 40% and replacing Section 8 housing vouchers with state-level block grants. The plan would impose a two-year cap on rental aid for able-bodied adults, while prioritizing support for elderly and disabled recipients, and would grant states broad discretion in designing aid programs without federal mandates to maintain current service levels. Advocates warn the cuts and decentralization could displace millions of low-income Americans, sharply increase homelessness, and reduce oversight and protections for vulnerable renters, especially in high-cost areas. Critics point to past block grant programs that have led to shrinking budgets and inconsistent access to aid, while supporters claim local control could better address unique community needs. Additional concerns include the elimination of affordable housing development and fair housing enforcement programs, with experts predicting ripple effects on local economies, emergency services, and schools. The proposal comes as emergency pandemic-era housing vouchers expire, raising fears of an unprecedented spike in housing insecurity.