SAINT PAUL, Minn.—Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and two states in suing the Trump Administration over what they call an unlawful and unconstitutional freeze of $6.8 billion in federal education funding. More than $70 million in funding for Minnesota schools is at stake.
The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Education’s sudden decision to halt funds for six longstanding federal education programs just weeks before the new school year. According to the suit, the freeze violates federal law and the Constitution by bypassing Congress’s authority to appropriate funding.
“Donald Trump’s Department of Education is pulling the rug out from under Minnesota students by cutting school funding without warning and right before the start of the school year, and they are violating the law by doing so,” said Ellison. “Minnesota pays more than its fair share to Washington, and I will not allow Donald Trump and his cronies to illegally slash education grants, shortchange our students, and starve our public schools, all to fund Trump’s tax breaks for billionaires, so I’m taking them to court.”
State education leaders say the funding freeze has already disrupted summer programs and threatens school-year planning.
“Career and technical education, after school programs, English language courses, and teacher training that strengthen our schools, workforce, and communities are now at risk in every corner of our state,” said Education Commissioner Willie Jett.
The federal government typically distributes 25% of funds for these programs around July 1 to allow states to prepare budgets. On June 30, state agencies were informed the funds would not be obligated.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues the freeze violates multiple statutes including the Impoundment Control Act and the Antideficiency Act, as well as constitutional principles such as separation of powers and the Presentment Clause. The coalition is asking the court to order the release of the frozen funds.
Joining Ellison in the lawsuit are attorneys general from 22 other states and the District of Columbia, along with the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
