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The Trump administration has announced the release of more than $5 billion in previously frozen federal funding for K-12 education programs, ending a three-week hold that sparked bipartisan criticism and lawsuits from several states.
According to Madi Biedermann, deputy assistant secretary for communications at the U.S. Education Department, the White House Office of Management and Budget completed its review and directed the immediate release of formula funds, which will begin reaching states next week. Details of the review’s findings were not disclosed, though a senior official said new “guardrails” would guide how funds are used.
The freeze, which affected a total of $6.8 billion, targeted programs for migrant farm workers’ children, teacher recruitment and training, English proficiency, academic enrichment, and after-school initiatives. Earlier this month, the administration released $1.3 billion, with Friday’s announcement covering the remaining funds.
The funding pause followed claims by the Trump administration that some of the money was being misused to support what it described as a “radical leftwing agenda.” The decision drew lawsuits from Democratic-led states and criticism from ten Republican senators who urged the administration to reverse course.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said she was satisfied with the review and expects no future freezes. Republican lawmakers praised the decision to release the funds, while Democrats argued the disruption was unnecessary and harmed schools.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between the federal government and states over education funding and political influence, particularly on issues such as climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests, and diversity programs. With the release, schools nationwide can resume critical programs previously stalled by the funding hold.
This resolution is expected to ease immediate concerns among educators and state officials ahead of the upcoming academic year.
