Education Department releasing billions in remaining withheld grant money for schools
CBS7 days
Trump Admin Releases Over $5B in Frozen School Grants
Above: School buses are parked in the county lot in Bladensburg, Maryland, on Jan. 9, 2024. Image copyright: Robb Hill/Washington Post/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The administration's careful review of education spending was necessary to ensure taxpayer dollars weren't funding inappropriate programs. The Office of Management and Budget rightfully investigated whether funds were being misused for political agendas before releasing them with proper guardrails in place. The Trump administration pledged to reform the Education Department and rid it of waste.
Democratic narrative
This manufactured crisis caused unnecessary chaos for schools, students and families across the country. Withholding congressionally appropriated funds violated federal law and forced districts to make devastating cuts while the administration played politics with children's education. The children who need this money the most have been victimized by the monomaniacal focus on dismantling public education.