Trump Administration Freezes $6B Funding for After-School, Summer Programs Nationwide

The Trump administration is withholding over $6 billion in federal grants intended for after-school, summer programs, English language instruction, adult literacy, and other education initiatives as part of a review to ensure alignment with the president's priorities. This freeze has created significant uncertainty for states and schools, including in Utah, as they had planned budgets assuming the funds would be distributed starting July 1. The decision has sparked concerns that thousands of children, particularly from low-income families, may lose access to safe care and educational programming this summer and during the upcoming school year, with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs warning of potential program closures. Democrats accuse the administration of flouting the law by impounding funds appropriated by Congress, while the administration maintains the freeze is a review process without a set timeline for releasing the money. Critics argue the move represents a broader effort by the administration, led by officials like OMB director Russ Vought, to challenge congressional spending authority. The funding freeze has led to widespread worry among educators, program leaders, and parents about the immediate and long-term impacts on child care and workforce development support.