Trump Administration Faces Legal Challenges Over Abrupt Halt to School Pandemic Relief Funds

Seventeen states sue, claiming the funding cut violates federal law and threatens essential educational services for vulnerable students.

The Trump administration abruptly ended Biden-era extensions allowing schools to spend COVID relief funds through March 2026, citing ample time for prior use.
Seventeen states, led by New York and California, filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Education, arguing the decision exceeds administrative authority and violates federal law.
California stands to lose $200 million, while New York faces a $134 million funding shortfall, jeopardizing critical programs for low-income and vulnerable students.
Pandemic relief funds have supported essential services such as tutoring, mental health counseling, infrastructure upgrades, and resources for homeless students.
The lawsuits seek to reinstate the original spending deadline approved by Congress, emphasizing the long-term educational recovery needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.