• by Boredlisted

Historic Coalition of 24 States Sues Over Withheld Federal Education Grants

The Trump administration is confronting one of the most significant legal challenges to its education policies as 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit Monday demanding the immediate release of $6.8 billion in congressionally appropriated education funding. The coalition represents nearly half of all U.S. states, marking an unprecedented unified response to what many officials characterize as an illegal withholding of crucial educational resources.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, alleges that the Trump administration has violated multiple federal laws by freezing education funding just weeks before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The legal action specifically challenges violations of the Constitution's separation of powers doctrine, the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, who provided exclusive commentary to news outlets, stated unequivocally: "This is plainly against the law. It's against the Constitution. It's against the Impoundment Act. From a legal standpoint, this is not a hard case". The Impoundment Control Act requires Congress to review and approve any executive branch withholding of budget authority, with the president mandated to report such actions promptly to Congress.

Massive Funding Freeze Affects Critical Educational Programs

The withheld funding encompasses six major federal education programs that serve millions of students across the nation. The affected programs include:

1. Title II-A Supporting Effective Instruction: $2.190 billion for teacher training, recruitment, and retention programs
2. Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment: $1.38 billion for comprehensive student support services
3. Title IV-B 21st Century Community Learning Centers: $1.33 billion for after-school and summer programs
4. Title III-A English Language Acquisition: $890 million for services supporting English learners
5. Title I-C Migrant Education: $376 million for migrant student support services
6. Adult Education State Grants: $715 million for adult basic education and literacy programs

Government Accountability Office Identifies Pattern of Violations

The education funding freeze is part of a broader pattern of alleged Impoundment Control Act violations by the Trump administration. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is currently investigating 39 potential violations of the Act, having already found illegal impoundment in cases involving the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro testified before Congress that his office is treating impoundment violations as a "high priority" and will move "as quickly and thoroughly as possible" to investigate the administration's actions. The GAO has already determined that the administration violated federal law by withholding funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Department of Transportation.

Immediate Impact on Schools and Students

The funding freeze has created immediate operational challenges for school districts nationwide, with many forced to cancel or delay critical programs. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond warned that the freeze "creates threats for local districts that they may have to lay staff off" as districts had built their budgets expecting federal funds to flow as they have for years.

Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey highlighted the particular vulnerability of rural and high-poverty districts, stating: "The loss of funding for those rural, poor, high poverty school districts, is just going to be more fuel for the fire that makes it more difficult to educate children in those communities".

Administration's Justification Under Scrutiny

The Office of Management and Budget has defended the funding review, with a spokesperson stating that "many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda". However, the administration has not provided a timeline for when the review will be completed or when funding decisions will be made.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who was confirmed in March following the administration's reduction of the Education Department workforce by nearly 50%, has not specified when the programmatic review will conclude. The department's staff cuts have affected nearly every operational area, including the Office for Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid.

Congressional Response and Bipartisan Concern

The funding freeze has generated significant congressional attention, with over 150 House Democrats demanding immediate release of the funds. Notably, some Republican lawmakers have also expressed opposition to the funding delay. Senator Susan Collins of Maine conveyed her disapproval, stating: "I oppose the administration's decision to delay the delivery of education formula funding to state and local school districts across the country".

State-by-State Financial Impact

The financial impact varies significantly by state, with larger states facing substantial funding losses. According to education advocacy groups, California stands to lose over $900 million, Texas faces a potential $738 million shortfall, and New York could lose $463 million. Even smaller states face significant impacts, with Alabama potentially losing $100 million and Washington state facing a $150 million gap.

Legal Precedent and Constitutional Authority

The lawsuit emphasizes that Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive "power of the purse," and that the executive branch cannot unilaterally refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. The legal challenge builds on established precedent from the Impoundment Control Act, which was enacted in 1974 following similar constitutional conflicts during the Nixon administration.

Broader Education Policy Context

The funding freeze occurs amid the Trump administration's broader effort to reduce federal involvement in education and dismantle the Department of Education. President Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to "send education back to the states" and has instructed Secretary McMahon to "put yourself out of a job" by shutting down the department.

The administration's education priorities, as outlined in federal guidance, emphasize school choice expansion, state-level oversight, and literacy programs while eliminating what it characterizes as "divisive ideologies". These priorities represent a significant departure from previous federal education policy approaches.

Timeline and Next Steps

The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction compelling the immediate release of all withheld funds. Given that many states begin their school years in late July and early August, the urgency of the legal challenge cannot be overstated. Attorney General Jackson warned that "if the courts don't act promptly, the consequences will be dire" as school districts face immediate operational decisions.

The legal challenge represents a critical test of executive power versus congressional authority over federal spending, with implications extending far beyond education policy. As the case moves forward, it will likely influence broader discussions about federal funding authority and the constitutional separation of powers.