The Trump administration has announced the release of approximately $6.8 billion in federal funds for K-12 programs that were previously frozen. This decision was disclosed by the Department of Education during Secretary Linda McMahon’s attendance at the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
According to department spokesperson Madi Biedermann, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of various ESEA and WIOA funds and directed the Department to release all formula funds. The funds will be distributed to states starting next week.
Earlier this month, over 20 Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, labeling the freeze on federal funding by the Department of Education as unconstitutional and harmful to states just weeks before the new school year.
During the NGA’s education session, a bipartisan group of governors, including outgoing chair Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado and vice chair Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, expressed gratitude to McMahon for releasing the funding.
At the Colorado Springs event, Polis inquired about improving communication to prevent future funding uncertainties, to which McMahon responded by acknowledging potential communication gaps and the transition process.
McMahon emphasized that the OMB budget office took the necessary time to review the title funding programs before releasing the funds, ensuring satisfaction before distribution.
McMahon reassured the governors that a similar situation would be avoided going forward after the thorough review of title funding and the process implemented.
Following the education discussion between Polis and McMahon, several governors expressed appreciation for the return of federal title funds to the states.
Polis initiated the NGA’s summer session with his policy agenda “Let’s Get Ready! Educating All Americans for Success.”
McMahon committed to visiting as many states as possible to understand the diverse educational needs across the country, emphasizing collaboration with governors as the administration aims to decentralize the Department of Education.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, McMahon underscored the importance of engaging with governors as part of the efforts to devolve education responsibilities to the states, highlighting education as a bipartisan issue.
Trump’s executive order earlier this year to dismantle the Department of Education was a fulfillment of a campaign promise during the 2024 presidential election.
The report was contributed to by Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch.
Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
