States Sue Trump Over Disaster, Education Funding Freezes

A coalition of over 20 U.S. states, including North Carolina, has sued the Trump administration over the freezing or cancellation of billions in federal funds for both disaster mitigation and education. The states challenge the abrupt termination of FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which was set to provide billions nationally and over $200 million to North Carolina for disaster preparedness projects. Simultaneously, the states are contesting the Department of Education’s freeze of nearly $7 billion in congressionally approved education funds, affecting after-school care, teacher training, and services for vulnerable students. State officials claim these actions will lead to layoffs, canceled programs, and major disruptions, particularly harming at-risk communities. Plaintiffs argue the administration lacks authority to withhold approved funds and that the freezes violate statutory and constitutional requirements. The lawsuits seek immediate restoration of both disaster and education funds to prevent further harm.