California Leads 24 States in Lawsuit Over $6.8 Billion Federal K-12 Education Fund Freeze

A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit on Monday, July 14, 2025, against the Trump administration over its decision to freeze approximately $6.8 billion in federal K-12 education funds. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, challenges the abrupt withholding of congressionally approved grants intended for schools nationwide.

The funds, which include critical support for teacher professional development, tutoring, STEM programs, adult literacy, after-school initiatives, migrant education, and English language learner services, were paused on June 30, just one day before their scheduled distribution on July 1. California alone stands to lose nearly $940 million from the cutoff. The U.S. Department of Education stated the pause was to ensure "taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities."

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the severe impact of the freeze, stating, "Districts and schools have been thrown into chaos, considering shutting down programs and laying off teachers." He further argued that the action is "unconscionable, unlawful, and can't go unchecked." The lawsuit contends that the administration's move violates the U.S. Constitution and the Impoundment Control Act, as Congress, not the executive branch, holds the power of the purse.

The legal challenge names the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Linda McMahon, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and OMB Director Russell Vought as defendants. States joining the lawsuit include New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, among others. Attorneys general are seeking a preliminary injunction to compel the immediate release of the funds.

This lawsuit marks the 31st legal action filed by Democratic attorneys general against the Trump administration in the 25 weeks since he took office, with at least eight of these cases specifically targeting education-related policies. The widespread uncertainty has led some school districts to consider program cuts and staff layoffs, while some summer programs have already been forced to close.