16 States Sue Trump Administration Over COVID School Aid Cuts

A coalition of 16 Democratic attorneys general and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, demanding the reinstatement of over $1.1 billion in pandemic relief funds for schools. The lawsuit claims the abrupt withdrawal of this funding by Education Secretary Linda McMahon violates federal law and will severely impact essential services for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Initially, states were allowed to access these funds until March 2026, but McMahon stated that schools had 'ample time' to use the money and cited misuse as justification for the cut. New York alone reportedly lost $134 million, which was intended for critical repairs, library resources, and support for economically disadvantaged students. The plaintiffs argue that this sudden decision disregards the ongoing challenges schools face in recovering from the pandemic's impact. They seek to halt the funding cessation and restore access to the financial resources vital for student support and educational improvements.