Trump freezes $6 billion in public school funds right before school year begins

India Today

19-07-2025

The Trump administration has made a sweeping pause and reduction in federal education funding, withholding more than USD 6 billion in grants just weeks before the new school year starts. This is likely to hit public school education hard even though it does not directly affect private schools or higher education institutions.These funds are not general education budgets of states, but federal grants that public school systems rely on to run specific programmes, particularly those serving low-income, rural, or special needs students. They are critical for after-school programmes, teacher training, English-language learning and student support, are now under review by the Office of Management and Budget.advertisementThe move puts significant strain on state and local districts already planning their academic budgets.
According to ABC News, a terse memo issued on June 30 confirmed that no grant award notifications would be issued 'prior to completing that review.'The delay comes mere days before millions of students return to classrooms, raising fears among educators and policymakers that key services may be cut, scaled back or postponed.LEGAL CHALLENGES AND CRITICISM MOUNTMore than 20 states, led by California and Connecticut, have filed lawsuits against the administration, calling the funding freeze unlawful and warning of grave harm to vulnerable students. Connecticut alone estimates a loss of USD 53.6 million for the 2025-26 academic year.This legal action is taking place amid escalating tensions: a recent Supreme Court decision lifted a block on the administration's plan to cut nearly 1,400 staff positions at the Department of Education.Critics argue this move undermines civil rights enforcement and federal student-aid systems.FROZEN GRANTS PUT PRESSURE ON PROGRAMMESThe frozen funds include those for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (supporting after-school and summer programmes), adult literacy, English learner instruction, and teacher professional development.Education Week reported that USD 1.4 billion of these funds have since been approved and released, but over USD 5 billion remains frozen.Education advocates and local districts are warning that this sudden withholding could force cutbacks in staffing, early literacy support, and special education services.Mark Lieberman of Education Week observed that an abrupt loss of Title IV-B grants, which provide after-school enrichment, puts around 1.4million children at risk, with some programmes already starting to scale down.CONCERNS ON EQUITY AND OUTCOMESCivil rights groups and educational researchers say the funding cutbacks disproportionately affect rural students, English learners, rural communities, and students with disabilities.Teaching unions fear larger class sizes and stretched resources. As Becky Pringle of the NEA put it, the cuts are a 'slap in the face' for educators and learners.Lawmakers, including ten Republican senators, have urged the administration to restore the withheld funds, sparking a review into after-school programmes. On July 18, funding for these services was partly released, following bipartisan pressure.IS THIS A POLITICAL TARGETING OF BLUE STATES?While the memo issued is national, critics point out that many of the states hardest hit -- like California, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois -- lean Democrat and have traditionally been strong supporters of public education funding.Some lawmakers argue that the freeze may indirectly penalise states that oppose the administration's broader education and civil rights policies, though no official link has been made public.LOOKING AHEADadvertisementWith legal proceedings ongoing and bills pending, the future of the remaining USD 5 billion in frozen grants is uncertain.Districts must decide whether to begin the school year amid funding gaps. Critics warn the cuts could have long-lasting effects on student learning and equity, unless Congress or the courts intervene swiftly.- Ends