Democrats Block Trump's Plan to Cut Education Funding

A Critical Battle for Public Education

The recent decision by the Supreme Court, which allowed President Donald Trump to move forward with his plan to reduce the workforce of the Department of Education, has raised serious concerns about the future of public education in the United States. This ruling is a significant setback for the rights of children to receive a quality public education, as it enables an administration to weaken a federal agency responsible for supporting and safeguarding educational opportunities for all students.

As a mother of two boys who attend public schools and someone who benefited from the same system, this development is deeply troubling. The Supreme Court’s decision cleared the way for the Trump Administration to begin dismantling a cabinet agency that was created by Congress to ensure the federal government supports public education. This move threatens to undermine the critical funding, programs, and accountability measures that are essential for ensuring every student has equal access to education and can reach their full potential.

However, there is still hope. State attorneys general have the power to challenge these actions and protect the interests of students and educators. While this case is one of many battles being fought, it is important to remember that the rule of law remains on our side. Courts have consistently recognized that in America, we elect a president, not a king, and that no single individual has the authority to override the power of Congress over the budget.

Legal Action to Protect Education Funding

In response to the administration's attempts to cut education funding, I joined forces with other Democratic attorneys general and the governors of Pennsylvania and Kentucky to sue the Trump Administration. In July, we filed a lawsuit against the administration for freezing nearly $7 billion in education funding just before the start of the new school year. This funding is crucial for providing afterschool programs, extracurricular activities, and support for English language learners, among other services.

This funding is typically released to states on July 1, but this year, school districts received a brief email on June 30 informing them that the funds were being withheld. The administration claimed they needed time to determine if the funding aligned with the president's priorities. However, this action was not only legally questionable but also caused chaos for school districts across the country.

Thanks to our legal efforts, the Department of Education eventually released the funding, although it had no legal right to withhold it in the first place. While this victory helped prevent immediate harm, the disruption caused by the funding freeze cannot be undone. It highlighted the need for continued vigilance and legal action to protect the rights of students and educators.

Fighting for the Future of Education

Our legal efforts have not stopped there. When the Trump Administration attempted to withdraw hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for programs addressing the long-term effects of the pandemic on K-12 students, we took action. A federal judge ruled that the administration’s actions violated the law, and we continued to fight in court, resulting in favorable rulings once again.

Public education is more than just a system; it is a foundation for opportunity, equity, and democracy. My own journey, which led me to become the first Black woman to serve as attorney general of Massachusetts, was made possible by the support of teachers and a strong public education system. Federal funding played a vital role in enabling me to explore my passions, develop critical skills, and envision a future I could never have imagined.

A Commitment to Protecting Education

While the recent Supreme Court ruling is a setback, it is not the end of our fight. Our resolve remains strong, and we continue to take legal action to protect the rights of students and educators. As I write this, my office has filed 32 lawsuits against the Trump Administration, with favorable outcomes in almost all cases. The judicial system serves as a powerful check on power and a defender of the rule of law.

Democracy is only as strong as the people and institutions willing to protect it. Right now, many are rising to meet the occasion, and we cannot afford to let our children or the future of our nation suffer. The fight for quality public education is far from over, and we remain committed to defending the rights of every child to a fair and equitable education.