Just before the new school year begins in the United States, the Trump administration has stopped the release of over $6 billion in approved school funding.
A research group says the freeze affects important education programs meant to help students with special needs, like migrant children and those learning English.
Why Are the Funds Being Held?
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which handles the federal budget, says it’s reviewing how these education grants are being used. Officials believe some of the money may have been misused to support what they call a “radical leftwing agenda.”
However, no final decision has been made yet about the release of these funds.
What the Research Group Said
According to the Learning Policy Institute, the $6.2 billion being held back was already approved by Congress. The money was meant for five key education programs that include after-school and summer programs, help for English language learners, and support for migrant students.
Accusations of Misuse
The Trump administration claims that some states used the money in ways not intended. For example, New York and Washington state were accused of spending funds on programs that helped undocumented immigrants.
One program mentioned included a seminar on “queer resistance in the arts,” which the government said was unrelated to student learning.
Impact on Schools and Students
California’s Department of Education confirmed it was told that it would not receive its expected share of federal funds this year.
The state estimated that about $1 billion, based on past figures, was being withheld. Normally, this money is released on July 1 every year to help schools prepare for the new academic session.
California officials warned that all children would feel the effects of this funding freeze. The money helps schools run summer programs, support students with limited English, and assist children from migrant families.
A Pattern of Federal Pressure
This is not the first time the Trump administration has used federal funding as a pressure tool. In recent months, schools and colleges have been warned about losing funds for supporting things like climate programs, diversity efforts, transgender policies, and even student protests related to the war in Gaza.
The Trump government’s decision to withhold over $6.2 billion in education grants is creating major challenges for schools across the United States. The funds, meant to support vulnerable groups like migrant students and those learning English, are now under review for alleged political misuse.
With the school year around the corner, many states, especially California, are unsure how they will fill the gap if this money never arrives.
