Attorneys general from 24 states, including Washington’s Nick Brown, have secured an agreement requiring the Trump administration to release billions in federal education funding that had been frozen just weeks before the school year.
The settlement, announced Tuesday, compels the U.S. Department of Education to release the full balance of withheld funds by October 3. For Washington, that means nearly $137 million in K-12 funding and more than $13 million for adult education and workforce programs.
Last month, Brown and other attorneys general sued the administration, alleging it illegally froze funding for six long-standing programs. The freeze was announced on June 30—just one day before money was due to be distributed—under what officials called a “review” tied to presidential priorities. States argued the move violated federal law and decades of precedent.
“Making sure our kids have what they need to learn should be something we can all agree on,” Brown said. “I’m pleased that we resolved this case quickly and restored the vital education funding the Trump administration unlawfully tried to cancel.”
The lawsuit contended that the freeze jeopardized programs for after-school and summer learning, teacher training, and English-language instruction. In Washington, officials warned of possible cancellations of summer school and disruptions to services for English learners and students with special needs.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said the outcome protects families and schools across the state.
“This outcome was made possible through a bipartisan effort—both in and outside of the courtroom—to ensure students have the programs and support they are relying on for their academic success,” Reykdal said.
Nationwide, more than $7 billion in education funding was at stake. The coalition of states argued that the freeze was unconstitutional because Congress, not the executive branch, controls federal spending.
Under the settlement, the administration will release all remaining funds by October 3. Washington officials said the agreement avoids disruptions for students and reinforces the principle that federal funds appropriated by Congress cannot be withheld without legal authority.
