Trump Administration Sued by 24 States Over Withholding $6.8 Billion in School Funding
Trump Administration Sued by 24 States Over Withholding $6.8 Billion in School Funding
A coalition of 24 largely Democratic-led states, along with the District of Columbia, today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to withhold approximately $6.8 billion in congressionally approved federal funding for K-12 schools. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, argues that the US Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) unconstitutionally froze funding for six critical programs, plunging school systems nationwide into disarray.
The frozen funds were earmarked for vital initiatives, including support for migrant farm workers and their children, teacher recruitment and training, English proficiency learning, academic enrichment, and after-school and summer programs. Additionally, funding for adult literacy and job-readiness skills was impacted. The lawsuit asserts that the government was legally obligated to release these funds by July 1, but instead, the education department notified states on June 30 that grant awards would not be issued, citing a change in administration.
An OMB spokesperson previously claimed an “ongoing programmatic review” revealed a misuse of grant funds to “subsidize a radical leftwing agenda,” also objecting to funding for immigrant student scholarships and LGBTQ+ themes. The plaintiff states contend that this sweeping freeze has disrupted school operations, leading to cancellations of summer and after-school programs and creating significant budget gaps with little warning. They argue the administration violated the US Constitution by disregarding Congress’s sole authority over spending and failed to adhere to federal administrative law and the Impoundment Control Act, which prevents the executive branch from unilaterally refusing appropriated funds without due process.
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