Federal Funding for Schools Stalled by Trump Administration

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has announced that $6.8 billion intended for K-12 schools is being held up, as indicated by a notification from the education department accessed by state reporters.

On Monday, the agency informed the state of its intent to withhold money for several key programs, which include after-school initiatives, immigration education, and English learning support.

This notification came just a day prior to the July 1 deadline when funding is typically distributed based on educators’ plans for the upcoming year.

The Department of Education emphasized its commitment to ensure taxpayer funds align with presidential priorities and statutory responsibilities, stating that no decisions have yet been made about future funding allocations.

Programs Affected

Democrats assert that the suspended programs include:

• Title IC for Immigration Education
• Title II-A for enhancing teacher and school leader effectiveness
• Title III-A for English language acquisition
• Title IV-A for STEM education, career counseling, and related activities
• Title IV-B for after-school, summer programs, and more
• Grants for Adult Education and Literacy Programs

States are actively seeking these funds, with the Oklahoma Department of Education indicating last week that it has not yet received federal money for immigration education, English acquisition, and related programs.

Budget Cuts Considered

Inevitably complicating matters, Trump is proposing to eliminate these programs in his 2026 budget request, which includes plans for $12 billion in overall spending cuts across various agencies.

The budget document suggests that these cuts are an effort to keep the agency in check financially.

Meanwhile, a coalition of 16 states has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the cancellation of a $1 billion school mental health grant, stemming from an earlier budget decision.

This lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle, involving states like California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Calls for Action

Washington Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Expenditure Panel, has urged the Trump administration to promptly release the halted funds.

“President Trump himself approved these funds into law, yet he is now obstructing resources necessary for essential school programs. This uncertainty complicates students’ access to help with employment and other initiatives. The real question is how much damage this administration intends to inflict on public schooling,” she stated.

Murray further emphasized that local districts cannot afford to wait through lengthy legal proceedings for the federal funds they need, especially amid declining enrollments and limited resources.

Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, criticized the administration’s actions, labeling it an illegal overreach that is harming children nationwide.

“School leaders across the country, who should have begun planning months ago, now face financial uncertainty instead,” Weingarten noted.

Congressional Approval Highlighted

Carissa Moffat Miller, CEO of the State Schools Board of Directors, stressed in a statement that the entire range of Title funds must be made available promptly.