Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a legal victory for Illinois schools on Wednesday, following his office’s July lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to freeze federal education funding. The lawsuit was part of a broader multistate action, with Illinois joining a coalition of states arguing that the administration’s move to withhold funding was unconstitutional, unlawful, and arbitrary, threatening critical programs just as the new school year was about to begin.
On July 14, Attorney General Raoul, alongside a coalition of states, filed suit after the Trump administration abruptly froze funding for six longstanding federal education programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The coalition argued that the freeze violated federal funding statutes, the budgeting process, and constitutional doctrines, including the separation of powers and the Presentment Clause.
The funds at stake support a wide range of initiatives, such as after-school enrichment, workforce development, teacher preparation, and programs for English learners and migrant children. The abrupt funding freeze, imposed just weeks before the school year, placed essential services at risk, prompting urgent legal action on behalf of students, families, and educators across the state.
Following the legal challenge, Illinois received confirmation in July that the Department of Education had begun releasing the impounded funds, ultimately fulfilling its obligations for the current fiscal year. Under the recently reached agreement, the Trump administration has committed to releasing any remaining funds by early October. In exchange, the states agreed to dismiss the case, having secured the full relief originally sought.
“This agreement is a step in the right direction, ensuring federal funds are released for essential educational programs across Illinois and the entire country,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with other attorneys general to prevent Illinois students and their families from feeling the impact of the president’s unlawful acts that jeopardize needed educational programs.”
