More Than 20 States Step Up: Lawsuit Targets Trump Administration Over Frozen After-School Funding
More than 20 states just put some major pressure on the Trump administration — and it’s all about the kids. A new lawsuit is calling out the feds for freezing billions in funding meant for after-school and summer programs. This move could hurt millions of children — mostly Black and brown — who rely on these programs to stay safe, get support, and build a better future.
According to the lawsuit, led by California, argues that the administration violated federal laws and the Constitution by blocking these funds. We’re talkin’ about over $6 billion in federal education grants — money that Congress already set aside. But Trump and his team hit pause, claiming they need to make sure the programs “align with the president’s priorities.”
But let’s keep it real — those “priorities” ain’t including the 1.4 million kids who depend on after-school help at places like the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, and public schools.
Aiden Cazares, one of many voices pushing back, represents those millions of youth whose lives have been uplifted by federally funded programs. These programs aren’t just playtime — they provide academic support, mentoring, enrichment, and childcare. And most of the families served? Low-income households, often in Black and brown communities.
“We Need This Money Now”: Programs Across the Nation Face Shutdowns If Funding Isn’t Released
Without this funding, we could see after-school and summer programs disappearing across the country — especially in underserved areas. In some states, the crisis is already hitting hard.
Take Rhode Island for example. The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence said state officials had to jump in with emergency money just to keep summer programs running. Sara Leutzinger, VP of communications at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, kept it all the way real:
“While some clubs have managed to keep their summer programs operational, the outlook for after-school programming in the fall is less optimistic.”
She said if the Trump administration doesn’t come off those funds in the next three to five weeks, hundreds of clubs could shut down completely. That’s 926 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide that serve as lifelines for families trying to keep their kids off the streets and in supportive, educational environments.
And it’s not just the Boys & Girls Club. The YMCA and Save the Children are also on edge. Leaders from both organizations said the funding freeze threatens the survival of hundreds of their centers, which serve some of the most vulnerable kids in the country.
States Say Freezing the Funds is Illegal — And They’re Ready for a Fight
According to the lawsuit, the Trump administration’s freeze isn’t just heartless — it’s illegal. These Democratic-led states are arguing that the White House violated multiple federal laws by holding back money already approved by Congress. That’s not just bad politics — it’s unconstitutional.
The suit claims that the White House is “ignoring the will of Congress” and putting low-income students at risk. As schools prepare to reopen in late July and August, time is running out. These states say that if something doesn’t change fast, thousands of kids could be left behind — especially those from poor, working-class neighborhoods.
And it’s not just about education — it’s about safety, opportunity, and justice. After-school programs reduce crime, improve grades, and give kids a fighting chance. Stripping that away from our youth? That’s not just policy — that’s an attack on the future.