26 States Sue Trump Administration Over $6 Billion Education Funding Freeze

Twenty-five states, including Maryland, California, New Jersey, Washington, and Colorado, have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration over the unlawful freeze of more than $6 billion in federal education funding scheduled for the 2025–26 school year. The frozen funds, appropriated by Congress for programs like after-school and summer learning, teacher training, support for English learners, and special needs services, have already disrupted school districts' budgets and forced program cancellations and layoffs. The states argue that the freeze violates multiple federal statutes, including the Antideficiency Act and Impoundment Control Act, as well as the Constitution's separation of powers, asserting that the administration lacks authority to withhold funds without congressional approval. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and others emphasize the harm to students and families, criticizing the funding hold as a politically motivated action jeopardizing educational resources. California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighted that many affected school districts are in Republican congressional areas, while Washington and New Jersey stressed the unprecedented nature of the freeze and its impact on critical services. The lawsuits seek court orders to immediately release the funds and restore support for vital education programs before the school year begins.