Today In History: Violence Erupts Outside Trump's CA Rally; Obama Administration Cracks Down On Student Debt

April 28, 2017, is the 118th day of the year, with 247 days remaining. The moon is in a waxing crescent phase at 6 percent illumination.

Obama administration takes action on nation’s student debt crisis

In 2016, the Obama administration released a statement on taking action to help more Americans manage student debt. The release succeeded a 2014 quote from President Obama:

“I’m only here because this country gave me a chance through education. We are here today because we believe that in America, no hardworking young person should be priced out of a higher education. This country has always made a commitment to put a good education within the reach of young people willing to work for it.”

In the release, the administration highlighted that many students utilize student loans to help finance their education, noting that, while such an investment typically pays off, for some students, “burdensome student loan debt can present a challenge as they seek to start a career, raise a family, purchase a home, start a business or save for retirement.”

To combat student debt, the release dictated a number of new actions intended to build on preexisting progress and to provide “a roadmap to guide and support borrowers.” These actions included a goal to enroll 2 million more borrowers in a Pay As Your Earn plan (PAYE) through income-driven repayment, better information to help borrowers take action on their debt (dubbed “a student loan Payback Playbook”) and efforts by the Department of Education to ensure effective student loan counseling.

Protesters arrested outside of Trump rally in Costa Mesa

On that same Thursday in 2016, Donald Trump held a rally in Costa Mesa, California, where 17 people were arrested as protesters lined the streets just beyond the event grounds, shaking police cars and clashing with supporters of the GOP candidate. Nearly 200 officers and deputies were on site, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The LA Times reported that five police cars were damaged. One officer was struck in the head by a rock, but he was not injured due to the protection of his riot helmet. Not all protesters sought violence, however.

“I’m protesting because I want equal rights for everybody, and I want peaceful protest,” Daniel Lujan told the LA Times.

“This is the anger people have against Trump,” said resident Jose Cruz. “It’s not because he’s white; it’s because of what he’s said.”

Stay on top of all breaking White House news by signing up for the free Patch morning newsletter.

Like the White House Patch Facebook Page.

Follow us on Twitter.

Sign up to comment on the site.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore