Attorney General Dana Nessel joins 22 states in lawsuit against Trump Education freeze on $6.8 billion educational grants, jeopardizing programs for Michigan students.

Federal Freeze Creates Chaos for Michigan Education

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 22 states filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for freezing $6.8 billion in education grants. The suit alleges that the administration’s actions violate federal statutes, regulations, and constitutional doctrines.

The funding freeze has thrown Michigan’s educational planning into turmoil, particularly affecting programs serving disadvantaged groups. “These education grants are designed to help Michigan students thrive,” said Nessel. “By freezing them, the Trump White House is not just breaking the law but jeopardizing our kids’ future.”

Critical Education Programs Immediately Impacted

Michigan stands to lose approximately $171 million in critical educational support, impacting six major programs:

Title I-C – Education of Migratory Children: Essential support for students whose families move frequently for seasonal agricultural or fishing work.
Title II-A – Supporting Effective Instruction: Funding professional development initiatives aimed at improving student achievement.
Title III-A – English Language Acquisition: Supporting English learners and enhancing multilingual education.
Title IV-A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants: Programs offering students a well-rounded education and improving technology use in classrooms.
Title IV-B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers: Out-of-school academic and enrichment programs.
Adult Basic Literacy and Civics Education Grants: Providing essential adult education and workforce training.

Trump Education Freeze Means State Educational Plans Upended

Typically, the U.S. Department of Education releases around 25% of the funding for these programs each year on July 1, enabling educational agencies to finalize their budgets and staffing plans. However, an abrupt notification on June 30 indicated that funds would be withheld, leaving local agencies scrambling to manage commitments and contracts already in place made for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.

“The withholding of federal Title funding negatively and disproportionately affects students who are economically disadvantaged, are migrants or English learners, or need extra help with academics,” explained State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.

Adult Education and Workforce Development Severely Threatened

The freeze significantly disrupts Michigan’s adult education sector, which serves over 20,000 learners annually. “Adult Education plays a crucial role in creating new opportunities for tens of thousands of Michiganders without a high school diploma or equivalent,” said Susan Corbin, Director of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). “These programs help adults acquire foundational skills needed to be productive workers, family members, and citizens.”

Legal Grounds for the Multistate Lawsuit

The coalition of states argues that the Trump Administration’s actions violate several federal laws and constitutional principles, including:

Federal funding statutes and Appropriations Act
Antideficiency Act
Administrative Procedures Act
Constitutional separation of powers and Presentment Clause

The lawsuit seeks immediate injunctive relief to prevent further harm to state education programs.

Broad Coalition Joins the Legal Battle

Nessel is joined by attorneys general from 21 states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, in addition to Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Together, they demand a swift resolution to restore critical funding.

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