Trump Administration Freezes $6 Billion in School Funding Over Misuse Claims

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has frozen over $6 billion in federal funding for U.S. schools, sparking alarm among education officials and advocates as the new academic year approaches.

The Learning Policy Institute, a non-profit research group, reports that states and territories still cannot access $6.2 billion in congressionally approved funds. Lawmakers designated the money for programs that support migrant students, children with limited English proficiency, and after-school and summer learning initiatives.

A White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) spokesman said Wednesday that the administration has placed the funds under an “ongoing programmatic review.” He said that early findings pointed to the misuse of grants to subsidize what the administration called a radical, left-wing agenda. While he did not confirm the exact amount under review, he cited examples of spending that included seminars on “queer resistance in the arts” and services for immigrants who entered the United States illegally.

Critics warn that the delay could seriously affect millions of students. In California, state officials stated that the federal government had formally notified them that billions in funding would not arrive as scheduled. The state typically receives those funds by July 1 to prepare for the school year. Based on past allocations, California estimates it will lose access to $1 billion for its schools.

“Every child will feel the impact of this disruption delivered shortly before the start of the school year,” the California Department of Education said in a statement.

The funding freeze comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and educational institutions over social and political issues. In recent years, federal agencies have threatened to withhold funds from schools, colleges, and universities over policies relating to climate initiatives, transgender rights, pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Education advocates argue that withholding resources punishes students for debates beyond their classrooms.

While the administration maintains the review is necessary to ensure accountability, many school leaders say they are left without clarity or assurances as they prepare for the coming school year.

For now, billions remain frozen, and the outcome of the federal review and its impact on classrooms nationwide remains to be seen.