Trump Administration Freezes $6 Billion in Education Funding, Igniting Widespread Backlash
Trump Administration Freezes $6 Billion in Education Funding, Igniting Widespread Backlash
The Trump administration has controversially frozen over $6 billion in congressionally-appropriated federal funding for critical education programs, a move that has sparked immediate widespread criticism and promises of legal action just weeks before the new school year.
According to a Department of Education (DOE) memo obtained by ABC News, the pause affects vital initiatives including after-school programs, student support services, teacher training, and English language instruction. The DOE informed Congress that a review of funding for the upcoming academic year would delay grant notifications typically issued by July 1, stating that decisions on this year’s allocations “have not yet been made.”
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) justified the freeze as an “ongoing programmatic review,” alleging that many of the affected programs “grossly misused” government funds, with some reportedly promoting a “radical leftwing agenda,” including “illegal immigration advocacy and queer resistance in the arts.”
However, the abrupt decision has sent shockwaves through the education community. Education finance experts warn that school districts, which typically finalize budgets by May or June for July 1 allocation, are now facing severe uncertainty. Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, emphasized the strain on already tight school budgets, predicting cuts to essential services and potential staff layoffs, particularly in rural areas.
Congressional leaders and advocacy groups are vehemently opposing the move. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, condemned the action as a potential violation of federal law, warning of “devastating consequences” for cash-strapped districts. National Education Association President Becky Pringle called it “outrageous and unconscionable,” vowing that educators and parents would “take action” against what they deem a “cruel betrayal” of students.
The Afterschool Alliance highlighted dire potential outcomes, including increased unsupervised children, academic failures, and a worsening childcare crisis. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that state attorneys general, alongside parent and education advocate groups, are preparing to file lawsuits against the administration over the funding reviews.
This funding freeze comes amidst ongoing efforts by the administration to dismantle the Department of Education, with related actions already facing challenges in lower courts and anticipated Supreme Court involvement regarding agency employee firings.
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