More than 100,000 in Puerto Rico may lose Section 8 rental subsidy

By The Star Staff

President Donald Trump’s latest budget proposal threatens to drastically slash Section 8 rental assistance for low-income Americans, impacting thousands of families in Puerto Rico.

Currently, more than 100,000 families in Puerto Rico depend on the rental subsidies, with an additional 14,000 waiting for assistance, according to government statistics.

Despite the Trump administration’s promise to “make America affordable again,” the proposed cuts could severely diminish the critical aid that millions rely on for housing, a fact highlighted by multiple U.S. media sources. The White House has targeted the Department of Housing and Urban Development for extensive reform, calling the existing rental assistance system “dysfunctional.” The budget proposal aims to effectively dismantle Section 8 and other housing voucher programs, reallocating funds to states for the creation of their own rental assistance programs. Such a shift in responsibility could potentially cut rental aid by as much as 40%.

The proposal also includes a two-year cap on rental assistance for able-bodied adults, prioritizing support for the elderly and disabled. Critics, calling the approach misguided, assert that it will only exacerbate an already dire housing crisis for countless low-income individuals and families.

While Congress ultimately has the final say on spending decisions and will craft its own budget, lawmakers will likely face pressure to find significant savings in support of Trump’s broader agenda, which includes substantial tax cuts.