California has successfully secured $200 million in federal pandemic recovery funds for its schools, a victory following a legal battle against the Trump administration. Initially, the Department of Education had rescinded these funds, which were meant to help mitigate the pandemic’s impact on students nationwide. The state, along with 16 others, filed a lawsuit, arguing that the withdrawal was unlawful and would cause significant harm to school districts that relied on the money for essential programs.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta led the charge, asserting that the rescission violated federal law and exceeded the department’s authority. He highlighted that the funds were crucial for after-school programs, summer learning initiatives, educational technology, and mental health services. Bonta stated, “President Trump should not be playing games with the academic future of our children — but when he does and when he breaks the law to do so, we’ll see him in court.”
Following a preliminary injunction in May that temporarily prevented the federal government from withholding the funds, the Department of Education ultimately backed down. A stipulated agreement was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, ensuring the funds remain accessible until fully disbursed. This outcome resolves the lawsuit in favor of the states.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has attempted to withhold education funding from California. Previously, nearly $1 billion was threatened over alleged promotion of a “left-wing” agenda, and funding was also put at risk due to the state’s policies on transgender athletes and diversity programs. According to the Bay Area News Group, these legal victories underscore California’s commitment to protecting educational resources for its students.
