Introduction to the Lawsuit
More than 20 states sued President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday over billions of dollars in frozen education funding for after-school care, summer programs, and more. The lawsuit alleges that withholding the money violates the Constitution and several federal laws. Many low-income families will lose access to after-school programs if the money isn’t released soon, according to the suit. In some states, school restarts in late July and early August.
Background on the Frozen Funding
Some of the withheld money funds after-school and summer programming at Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, or public schools, attended by 1.4 million children and teenagers nationwide. Congress set aside money for the programs to provide academic support, enrichment, and child care to mostly low-income families. But Trump’s administration recently froze the funding, saying it wants to ensure recipients’ programs align with the Republican president’s priorities.
Impact on Low-Income Families
Darleen Reyes drove through a downpour last week to take her son to a free Boys & Girls Club day camp in East Providence, Rhode Island. She told camp administrators the flash flood warning would have kept her away, but her son insisted on going. Before kissing his mother goodbye, Aiden Cazares, 8, explained to a reporter, “I wanted to see my friends and not just sit at home.” Then he ran off to play.
By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS, AP Education Writer
Children hold hands while participating in activities during the East Providence Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp at Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Providence R.I. (AP Photo/Sophie Park)
After-School Programs in Jeopardy
In Rhode Island, the state stepped in with funding to keep the summer programs running, according to the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence. Other Boys & Girls Clubs supported by the grants have found ways to keep open their summer programs, said Sara Leutzinger, vice president for communications for the Boys & Girls Club of America. But there isn’t the same hope for the after-school programming for the fall. Some of the 926 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide that run 21st Century Community Learning summer and after-school programs stand to close if the Trump administration doesn’t release the money in the next three to five weeks, Leutzinger said.
Summer Clubs Provide Instruction for Children
At the East Providence summer camp, Aiden, a rising third grader, played tag, built structures with magnetic tiles, played a fast-paced game with the other kids to review addition and subtraction, learned about pollination, watched a nature video, and ate club-provided chicken nuggets. Veteran teachers from his school corrected him when he spoke without raising his hand and offered common-sense advice when a boy in his group said something inappropriate.
Criticism from Republican Officials
Schools in Republican-led areas are particularly affected by the freeze in federal education grants. Ninety-one of the 100 school districts that receive the most money from four frozen grant programs are in Republican congressional districts, according to an analysis from New America, a left-leaning think tank. Republican officials have been among the educators criticizing the grant freeze. “I deeply believe in fiscal responsibility, which means evaluating the use of funds and seeking out efficiencies, but also means being responsible — releasing funds already approved by Congress and signed by President Trump,” said Georgia schools superintendent Richard Woods, an elected Republican.
Families See Few Affordable Child Care Alternatives
Aiden’s mother has started looking into afternoon child care for September when kids return to school in Rhode Island. “It costs $220 a week,” Reyes said, her eyes expanding. “I can’t afford that.” The single mother and state worker said she’ll probably ask her 14-year-old son to stay home and watch Aiden. That will mean he would have to forgo getting a job when he turns 15 in the fall and couldn’t play basketball and football.
Conclusion
The frozen education funding has left many low-income families in a difficult situation, with few affordable child care alternatives. The lawsuit filed by more than 20 states aims to release the withheld money and ensure that after-school programs can continue to provide academic support, enrichment, and child care to those who need it most. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will release the funds and prioritize the education and well-being of low-income children.
FAQs
Q: How many states are suing the Trump administration over frozen education funding?
A: More than 20 states are suing the Trump administration.
Q: What programs are affected by the frozen funding?
A: After-school and summer programming at Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, or public schools are affected.
Q: How many children and teenagers are affected by the frozen funding?
A: 1.4 million children and teenagers nationwide are affected.
Q: What is the main argument of the lawsuit filed by the states?
A: The lawsuit alleges that withholding the money violates the Constitution and several federal laws.
Q: What is the potential impact on low-income families if the funding is not released?
A: Many low-income families will lose access to after-school programs, and few affordable child care alternatives are available.
