The Trump administration has released over $6.8 billion in federal education funding. The money had been frozen earlier this month during a review of how it would be used.
The funds cover summer programs, after-school activities, and English language instruction. They will now begin flowing to states just in time for the new academic year.
The Department of Education confirmed the release on Friday. Secretary Linda McMahon made the announcement during the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs.
“The Office of Management and Budget has completed its review… and has directed the Department to release all formula funds,” spokesperson Madi Biedermann told Fox News Digital.
The freeze had triggered backlash from both parties. More than 20 Democratic attorneys general sued the administration, calling the pause unconstitutional and harmful.
The Trump administration defended the delay. Officials said it was necessary to make sure taxpayer money wasn’t being funneled into what the White House called a “radical leftwing agenda.”
President Trump previously pledged to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. McMahon said returning control to the states remains a top priority.
“If we’re going to return education to the states, that just means giving them back the part that is now provided by the federal government,” she said.
The grants in question include Title I-C, Title II-A, Title III-A, and Title IV-A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. They also include Title II funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
These programs support essential functions. They fund teacher development, student enrichment, and services for English language learners.
The decision to release the funds followed bipartisan pressure from governors across the country. Both Republicans and Democrats urged swift action.
Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) issued a joint statement after the release. They thanked McMahon and said the move would help schools maintain key services.
“Governors from both parties stand united in prioritizing our children’s education,” they said. “This action ensures schools… can maintain essential programs.”
Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV), the former governor of West Virginia, also praised the move. “The release of these funds will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the kids of West Virginia,” he wrote on X.
McMahon said the freeze was a one-time event. She explained that the OMB had taken extra time to review each program.
“They were well satisfied,” she said. “So, now, those funds are going to be going out.”
McMahon pledged to visit more states in the coming months. She said she plans to speak directly with governors and local officials.
“Clearly, education is a nonpartisan issue,” she said. “It’s incredibly important that if we are going to return education to the states, we have to talk to the governors.”