July 9, 2025

Trump Administration Freezes $6 Billion in School Funding

News Summary

The Trump administration has decided to withhold over $6 billion in federal funding intended for schools across the U.S., significantly impacting South Carolina. The Department of Education is reviewing Congressionally approved grants, including vital support for teacher development and class size reduction. This funding freeze raises concerns among educators who fear the uncertainty will hinder educational initiatives. Local districts are assessing the potential impacts, as this freeze also affects nonprofit organizations relying on federal support. Political observers speculate that this move reflects a broader skepticism towards certain education funding.

Columbia, South Carolina – The Trump administration is withholding over $6 billion in federal funding designated for schools across the United States, with South Carolina set to lose a significant portion of this financial support. The Department of Education has decided to freeze these Congressionally approved grants while it conducts a comprehensive review of the programs involved. Originally scheduled for distribution on July 1, the grants contribute to approximately 13% of federal funding received by South Carolina schools, amounting to over $84 million last year.

The freeze has raised concerns among educators and school administrators who fear the uncertainty may hinder vital initiatives, such as professional development for teachers and efforts to reduce class sizes. The grants, which were previously intended to support various educational programs, are now under scrutiny. Federal officials have up to 90 days to assess how these grant programs align with the current administration’s priorities.

Political observers suggest that this review could reflect the Trump administration’s broader skepticism towards certain education funding, which has been criticized as contributing to a “radical leftwing agenda.” In particular, the grants targeted for review include those aimed at teacher development and programs designed to address growing class sizes in fast-expanding districts.

Within South Carolina, the implications of the funding freeze are being evaluated by several school districts. For example, the Charleston County School District received approximately $4.4 million from the affected grants last year. The district is currently in the process of assessing how the funding situation will impact educational programs moving forward. Similarly, the Dorchester School District Two, which was awarded about $1.6 million in the previous year, reports ongoing communication with the South Carolina Department of Education to stay updated on the situation.

Other districts, including Dorchester School District Four and Berkeley County School District, are also monitoring the freeze and are committed to supporting education despite the prevailing uncertainties. The Impoundment Act, which regulates budgetary decisions, states that the president cannot completely cancel the freeze without Congress voting on it. However, details regarding the timeline for the funding freeze remain undisclosed.

In addition to educational funding, the ramifications of the freeze extend to various nonprofit organizations and environmental initiatives in South Carolina. One notable organization, the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, which is solely responsible for responding to stranded dolphins in the region, may face funding shortages due to these cuts. The organization has indicated that these shortfalls could significantly impact its ability to respond to marine mammal emergencies across the state.

In light of the ongoing funding constraints, Representative Nancy Mace has reached out to the Trump administration, requesting the immediate release of funding tied to a Mercedes-Benz plant being developed in North Charleston. This initiative, linked to President Biden’s climate legislation, poses the potential to create up to 800 jobs in the area, further emphasizing the necessity of federal support for economic development.

To navigate the challenges posed by the halt in funding, Mace has suggested that nonprofits actively seek alternative sources of support, such as private or state funding, to bridge the gap left by the federal funding loss. Meanwhile, a federal judge has previously ruled in favor of reinstating grants frozen by the administration, affirming the authority of Congress over budgetary matters.

This funding freeze, along with its broader implications, continues to unfold, prompting various stakeholders across South Carolina to respond and adapt to what may be a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding federal support for both education and nonprofit initiatives.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.