Michiganders grill Trump after administration freezes $157 million in federal education funding

“The Trump administration’s decision to withhold these critical funds is not just reckless, it is cruel. It punishes the very children and educators who need the most support, and it undermines the stability of our communities," said Dr. Pamela Pugh, State Board of Education President. AP Photo/Al Goldis

By Lucas Henkel

July 9, 2025

As school programs are being reviewed to ensure they align with President Donald Trump’s priorities, Michiganders and education advocates from across the state are speaking out.

This story has been updated to include statements from State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh regarding a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Dana Nessel and other attorneys general against the Trump administration on July 14, in response to the federal education funding freeze.

Education leaders and advocates across the country are urging President Donald Trump and his administration to release the nearly $7 billion in federal funding for K-12 public schools—including over $157 million for Michigan school districts—that was promised to them by July 1.

“The legislature did more than just miss an important deadline…. These federal dollars support some of our most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable students,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice, in a statement.

The withheld funding includes over $63.7 million in Title II funds for staff professional development, $36.7 million in Title IV-B funds for out-of-school time (OST) program funding, $38.3 million in Title IV-A funds for academic enrichment programs, $5.4 million in Title I-C funds for migrant education, and $12.8 million in Title III funds for English learners.

While a spokesperson for the US Office of Management and Budget has said there is an “ongoing programmatic review” of federal education funding to ensure it aligns with Trump’s education priorities—such as removing diversity initiatives in schools and teacher training programs—no decisions have yet been made as to when the funding will be released.

In the meantime, as the Michigan Department of Education works with colleagues across the country and with legal counsel, Rice and other Michigan education advocates are urging the legislature to work together and pass the school aid budget within the next few weeks so that school districts have time to make necessary adjustments to hiring and other spending.

“Getting funding right for our students is critical now more than ever,” said Chandra Madafferi, President and CEO of the Michigan Education Association, in a statement.

“Michigan students and the educators who serve them every day deserve a budget that invests in their success. Lawmakers shouldn’t settle for an education budget that doesn’t invest every dollar possible toward providing every student—in rural, urban, and suburban communities alike —the opportunity to succeed.”

Laying down the law

On July 14, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 22 states that are suing the Trump administration over the federal education funding freeze. The attorneys general say that stopping the money for these education programs breaks the very laws and rules that allow the programs to get funding.

“Courts across the country have made it clear to Donald Trump that he and his administration do not have the authority to unilaterally block funding that Congress has already approved,” said Nessel in a press release, adding that summer schools and education camps across the state are immediately at risk of closing without this funding.

“These education grants are designed to help students thrive. By freezing them, the Trump White House is not just breaking the law, but jeopardizing our kids’ future.”

After learning about the lawsuit, State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh said she’s pleased to see Michigan’s attorney general standing alongside students.

“I am grateful to Attorney General Dana Nessel for standing up to this outrageous attack on our schools and fighting for what is right,” said Pugh in a press release.

Author

Lucas Henkel

Lucas Henkel is a Reporter and Strategic Communications Producer for COURIER based in mid-Michigan, covering community stories and public policies across the country.

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CATEGORIES: EDUCATION

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