Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Trump Freezes School Funds Nationwide

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration will freeze millions in federal school funding across the nation.

In total about $6 billion in funds was frozen. About $800 million of those funds were earmarked for California schools.

The funds are meant for crucial educational programs, including after-school programs, support for English learners and migrant students and professional development for educators.

“The district is monitoring the impact of this action on PUSD programs, particularly in areas such as instruction, interventions, high-quality professional development for educators, supplemental materials and services for English learners and immigrant students,” according to a statement released after a query by Pasadena Now.

According to that statement, based on current estimates, PUSD faces a potential revenue loss of $1,202,482 for the FY 2025-2026, broken down as follows:

Title II Part A: $604,612

Title III: $211,452

Title III Immigrant: $47,782

Title IV Part A: $338,635

(Title I-C is not applicable to PUSD)

The matter was not discussed in open session at Monday’s School Board meeting.

“Public education is a promise we make to every child, and that promise must be kept,” said PUSD Board President Jennifer Hall Lee. “We stand united with educators and families across the nation in demanding that the funding approved by Congress be delivered without delay.”

The sudden move, which caught many states off guard, has raised concerns about its impact on education services for vulnerable students.

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond condemned the decision, calling it illegal and a violation of the law.

“We will not stand by as the President uses children’s futures as leverage for his political agenda,” Thurmond said in a statement. “These funds were appropriated by Congress and must be used for their intended purposes—supporting students, not pushing partisan politics.”

Thurmond was set to hold a press conference on Thursday to emphasize the critical nature of these federal funds and what is at stake for California students.

David Schapira, Chief of Staff for the California Department of Education, told ABC7 News that the Trump administration’s decision is not only unlawful but harmful to students.

“They cannot withhold funding just because we don’t conform to their political beliefs,” Schapira said. “This money was allocated by Congress to serve the educational needs of students, particularly those in underfunded communities. The President has no right to withhold it.”

The freeze comes amid growing tensions over several state policies, including California’s stance on allowing transgender athletes to participate in girls’ and women’s sports. Education Secretary Linda McMahon had previously suggested that withholding funds could be an option for states that don’t align with federal priorities.

“We are focused on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent in line with the President’s priorities,” McMahon said in a statement to Bloomberg earlier this month. “This decision is about making sure those priorities are reflected in how federal resources are allocated.”

“These are funds meant to help students succeed, not to punish them for their state’s policy choices,” Schapira said. “Our schools need these resources to help students, especially those who are most at risk.”

Despite the Trump administration’s move, California has a history of challenging such decisions in court, with previous efforts to cut federal funding being overturned. Schapira expressed confidence that the state will once again fight back successfully if the administration follows through with the freeze.

The U.S. Department of Education’s statement reads in part: “The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.”

The situation continues to unfold as states across the country, including California, prepare to fight for the education funding they say is critical for the well-being of their students.