Trump abruptly returns $5 billion in funding back to schools

In an abrupt move, the Department of Education announced on Friday that it would release over $5 billion in funding to school systems after a pause by the Trump administration on July 1.

This solution was created by the Trump administration when they decided, without warning, to pause $7 billion in funding to schools that went toward after-school and summer activities, resources for English Language Learners, teacher preparation programs, and other student-supporting services.

Today’s announcement follows the release of $1 billion for after-school and summer programs last week, in response to pressure from both Republicans and Democrats.

“OMB has completed its review of Title I-C, Title II-A, Title III-A, and Title IV-A ESEA funds and Title II WIOA funds, and has directed the Department to release all formula funds,” said Madi Biederman, deputy assistant secretary for communications for the Department of Education. “The agency will begin dispersing funds to states next week.”

However, the White House argued the withholding of the funds was due to “radical leftwing agenda”; however, both Democrats and Republicans decried the withholding.

West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, who led the campaign to return the funds for Senate Republicans, reacted to the news on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“This supports critical programs so many West Virginians rely on and I made that clear to OMB Director Vought,” Capito said on the social platform X, referring to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.

The deliberate delay in funding led to delays, teacher layoffs, and program closures nationwide, with professional groups of superintendents and teacher unions strongly criticizing the move.