# New Deal mortgage programs disproportionately helped white borrowers

A new study published in Nature reveals that New Deal-era mortgage programs primarily benefited white borrowers, widening racial wealth gaps. The research highlights how federal housing policies systematically excluded minority communities, contributing to long-term economic inequality. This matters because it underscores historical roots of present-day disparities in homeownership and wealth.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10850-8) — 2026-07-29