California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal action against the Trump Administration for its decision to freeze federal education funding. This move affects over $900 million earmarked for California, jeopardizing various educational programs just before the new school year.
The lawsuit, filed in Oakland, claims that the Trump Administration’s decision is unconstitutional and violates several federal statutes. Bonta leads a coalition of 23 attorneys general and two states in this legal challenge. The coalition argues that the funding freeze breaches regulations authorizing these programs and infringes upon federal budgeting laws such as the Antideficiency Act and Impoundment Control Act.
“With no rhyme or reason, the Trump Administration abruptly froze billions of dollars in education funding just weeks before the start of the school year,” said Attorney General Bonta. He further criticized President Trump’s actions as politically motivated and illegal.
Historically, these funds have supported numerous educational initiatives across states, including programs for migrant children and English learners, classroom instruction improvements, community learning centers, adult education, and workforce development efforts.
Typically, around 25% of these funds are distributed to states by July 1 each year to facilitate budget planning for schools. However, on June 30 this year, state agencies were informed that six formula funding programs would not receive their allocations as scheduled.
This sudden halt has disrupted plans for essential educational services and staffing ahead of the academic year. Summer school and afterschool programs are already feeling the impact due to insufficient funding caused by this freeze.
Attorney General Bonta emphasizes that Congress holds financial authority under the Constitution, not the Executive Branch. The lawsuit contends that withholding or delaying approved appropriations is beyond executive powers.
The coalition includes attorneys general from Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island among others. They seek judicial intervention to declare this funding freeze unlawful and prevent any further delays in fund distribution.
A copy of the lawsuit and motion for a preliminary injunction can be accessed online.
