Trump Administration Withholds Nearly $114M Federal Education Funding in Delaware, Kentucky

The Trump administration has withheld approximately $6.2 billion in federal education funding typically distributed on July 1, affecting states nationwide including Kentucky, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. This funding supports critical programs such as teacher professional development, English-language learner services, and before- and after-school activities. Kentucky alone faces an $87 million shortfall, which has raised concerns among state officials and school districts scrambling to adjust budgets and maintain programs. Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball also reported inefficiencies within the Kentucky Department of Education, including over $250 million in lapsed SEEK funds, highlighting broader financial management challenges at the state level. State education officials are actively working with congressional delegations and legal avenues to secure these funds, while the Department of Education states that funding decisions are pending to align with the President's priorities. This funding freeze has created uncertainty as school districts prepare for the upcoming academic year without assurance of these critical federal resources.