Trump Administration Releases $5.5B for School Programs Nationwide

The Trump administration has announced the release of **$5.5 billion** in federal funding for public schools across the United States. This funding is earmarked for various essential programs, including before- and after-school care, migrant education, and English language learning. The announcement has been welcomed by educators and administrators who had been awaiting these funds since they were placed under review in late June.

The decision to release the funding follows a period of uncertainty during which **$6.8 billion** in federal education funding was withheld. States had anticipated receiving these funds by **July 1, 2025**, but the money was not disbursed until **July 18**, when **$1.3 billion** was allocated specifically for before- and after-school programs. This delay prompted bipartisan calls from members of Congress urging the administration to expedite the release of the funds.

According to the **Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)**, a prolonged freeze on this funding would have resulted in a **$137 million** reduction in federal K-12 funding for education in Washington state alone. The state, along with over 20 Democratic states and the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the withholding of funds was unlawful and discriminatory.

In a statement released on **June 25**, the **Attorney General’s office** emphasized the critical role federal funding plays in supporting low-income students, migrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. The statement highlighted that to receive these funds, state and local education agencies must comply with **Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964**, which prohibits discrimination in education.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland, who represents parts of Thurston and Pierce counties, led a coalition of six statewide representatives in requesting the release of funds before **August 1**. Following the announcement, OSPI issued a statement from **State Superintendent Chris Reykdal**, expressing relief that vital services would not be cut in the upcoming school year.

“Students can take a deep breath knowing vital services won’t be abruptly ended or reduced in the upcoming school year,” Reykdal stated. The release of these funds is crucial, as a loss could have jeopardized school districts, staff, and access to essential student services.

In contrast, **Senator Patty Murray** expressed her dissatisfaction with the administration’s actions, stating that it deserved no credit for merely averting a crisis it had created. “You don’t thank a burglar for returning your cash after you’ve spent a month figuring out if you’d have to sell your house to make up the difference,” she remarked, calling for the administration to cease its detrimental practices affecting students and schools.

While the announcement of federal funding has brought hope to many in Washington’s education sector, the future of these funds remains uncertain until the award documents are finalized. **Attorney General Nick Brown** indicated that he would hold the Trump administration accountable for the proper distribution of these funds.

“We’re glad the Trump administration has decided to reverse its position and release the education money they had frozen for the upcoming school year,” Brown said. “This is why we file lawsuits — to protect the rule of law, support Washington communities, and right wrongs.”

As schools prepare for the new academic year, the release of **$5.5 billion** in funding provides a crucial lifeline, ensuring that essential services remain intact and that students have the resources necessary for a successful educational experience.