Trump administration releasing billions in education funds it initially froze

The Department of Education is set to release billions of dollars in K-12 funding to states that it previously withheld from them, according to multiple media reports. This includes money for teacher development and adult education as well as title program funding for English language acquisition and other programs, ABC News reported, citing a department spokesperson.

Trump administration officials first told states on June 30 that about $6.8 billion in funding, originally supposed to come in on July 1, would not be released. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget had said the money was under review because it was going to support what it called a “left-wing agenda.”

This led to backlash, with two dozen states suing over this decision. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers signed onto letters asking for funding to be restored.

The administration then said on July 18 that $1.3 billion in after-school funds would be given out.

Education Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications Madi Biedermann confirmed on Friday, July 25, to Chalkbeat that the Office of Management and Budget completed its review of the other funding and will begin dispersing it to states next week. The Department of Education did not respond to Straight Arrow News’ request for comment on Friday evening.

U.S. Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said in a social media post celebrating the incoming funds that “It helps centers like @KidsCanOmaha and our schools!”

Meanwhile, National Education Association President Becky Pringle said in a statement on Friday that “playing games with students’ futures has real-world consequences.”

“School districts in every state have been scrambling to figure out how they will continue to meet student needs without this vital federal funding, and many students in parts of the country have already headed back to school,” Pringle said. “These reckless funding delays have undermined planning, staffing, and support services at a time when schools should be focused on preparing students for success.”

The School Superintendents Association (AASA) surveyed administrators across 43 states about how the looming lack of funds would have affected them. Of those polled, 50% said they’d need to cut teachers and other personnel; 74% said academic services for students; 83% said curriculum and personal development offerings and 50% afterschool and enrichment activities.

Following the announcement that the money is no longer frozen, AASA executive director David Shuler put out a statement, saying the organization is “pleased public schools will receive the funding as appropriated by Congress for the 2025-26 school year.”

“On the heels of our survey released Tuesday, detailing how disruptive withholding these funds would be for our nation’s students, we thank our members and allies on the Hill,” Shuler wrote. “We appreciate their tireless advocacy, communication and outreach to the Administration about the importance of releasing these critical funds.”