AFT and Allies Sue Trump-Vance Over $5 Billion Withheld Education Funds

Education Funding Controversy Sparks Legal Action Against Administration

WASHINGTON—A coalition of school districts, parents, and affiliated organizations has initiated a legal battle against the Trump-Vance administration, challenging the alleged unlawful withholding of over $5 billion in education funding intended for the 2025-26 school year. This funding, approved by Congress, is crucial for maintaining various educational programs and services, particularly in underserved areas, and its absence threatens imminent cuts.

A preliminary injunction seeking immediate relief is expected to be filed in the coming days.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), expressed significant concern over the situation: “Millions of educators who have been busy planning for the new school year have instead had a monkey wrench thrown at them, causing huge financial uncertainty. These are long-term, school-based programs, already passed by Congress and signed into law by the president: summer school, migrant education and English language acquisition programs, as well as districts’ ability to recruit, hire and retain effective educators.”

Weingarten emphasized the lawsuit's importance, stating, “That’s why so many of our affiliates are filing this lawsuit, and I am proud of them for stepping up. They are showing the harm to students and the impediments faced by educators. Since day one, the Trump administration has attacked public education, undermining opportunity in America. Now it is trying to lawlessly defund education unilaterally through rampant government overreach. It’s not only morally repugnant: The administration lacks the legal right to sacrifice kids’ futures at the altar of ideology.”

The lawsuit, Anchorage School District et al. v. Department of Education et al., argues that the administration's decision contravenes several legal statutes, including the Administrative Procedure Act, the Impoundment Control Act, and the constitutional separation of powers. The plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward and include a diverse group of educational bodies and associations such as AFT Pennsylvania, the Anchorage School District, and the California Federation of Teachers, among others.

For more information, you can read the full complaint here.