Multi-State Coalition Sues Trump Administration Over Education Funding Cuts

A coalition of attorneys general, led by New York's Letitia James, has filed a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration over the abrupt termination of access to billions in federal education funds intended for COVID-19 relief. The U.S. Department of Education's March 28 decision to cut off these funds, which were initially guaranteed through 2026, has been criticized as arbitrary and harmful to vulnerable students and state education systems. The lawsuit claims that the sudden change in funding access has created significant budget gaps for schools, jeopardizing essential programs designed to support low-income and unhoused students. Attorney General James emphasized the detrimental impact of this policy on educational opportunities, stating it would hinder efforts to aid struggling students. Other states, including Illinois and New Mexico, have joined this legal action, underscoring widespread concern over the ramifications of the funding cuts. The U.S. Department of Education has defended its actions, claiming that many states failed to utilize the funds in a timely manner.