Several state attorneys general and Democratic governors have taken legal action against the Trump administration for withholding over $6 billion in federal funds for various education programs across the country. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson stated in an interview with ABC News that the withholding is in violation of the law and the Constitution. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island and includes representatives from the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
Jackson highlighted that the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 requires the president to promptly report any withholdings of budget authority to Congress. The Department of Education paused federal aid for schools on June 30 for a programmatic review, leading to concerns about the impact on students and educators as the new school year approaches.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defended the funding review, alleging misuse of government funds for promoting a “radical leftwing agenda.” However, no decisions have been made yet on the funding cuts. Jackson warned of dire consequences if the courts do not intervene promptly, emphasizing the potential harm to districts and programs that benefit millions of students.
The pause in funding affects various programs such as educator instruction, after-school programming, student support, English language acquisition, and migrant education. Jackson and other critics argue that halting these programs could lead to significant repercussions, including job losses for educators and the closure of essential services like after-school programs.
Jackson and others anticipate additional legal challenges from parents’ groups, nonprofits, and education advocates against the administration’s actions. The situation is viewed as a critical moment where significant harm could occur if the funding remains withheld.
“I will do everything in my power to prevent it,” he stated. “It would be wonderful if parents nationwide could lend their voices to this important cause. I believe it is crucial for everyone to hear from them.” The decision to pause funding arrives as the administration threatens to dismantle the Department of Education, cuts the agency’s staff by nearly half, and reduces grants and programs that do not align with its priorities. Education leaders fear that vulnerable students will bear the brunt of delayed funding. State education chiefs in Alabama, California, and Washington have criticized the review, citing a lack of clarity on when it will be completed. The potential loss of funding could have significant repercussions, particularly for students in rural and high-poverty districts. The National Education Association estimates that Alabama could lose $100 million, Washington $150 million, and California over $900 million if the funds are not reinstated. This situation poses a major threat to school districts, many of which lack the reserves to cover the funding gap. Both California and Washington state’s attorneys general have joined the legal battle. State education leaders warn that if the funding remains stalled into the school year, education programs will suffer. Alabama’s education superintendent expressed concerns that programs may have to be cut for years to come if the pause continues. The uncertainty surrounding funding has raised fears of long-term consequences for schools and districts across the country.
“Approach,” he further mentioned.
