Judge extends ban on Trump administration canceling COVID college support

NEW YORK, – A federal decide in Manhattan has prolonged an injunction banning the Trump administration from canceling unspent funding to assist elementary and excessive faculties in 16 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos’ preliminary injunction blocks Education Secretary Linda McMahon from rescinding unspent support, initially totaling greater than $1.1 billion, from the American Rescue Plan Act whereas the states’ lawsuit is pending.

Tuesday’s extension directs the Department of Education to course of present and future funding requests “without delay,” and to supply a standing report on its progress inside one month.

It additionally prevents the division from imposing a May 11 “Dear Colleague” letter giving states till May 24 to say remaining funds.

Ramos initially issued his injunction on May 6.

New York Attorney General Letitia James led the lawsuit, joined by 15 different attorneys common and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. All are Democrats.

The White House didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Washington had licensed about $190 billion of support to assist Okay-12 faculties recuperate from the pandemic, together with for tutoring, feeding homeless college students and upgrading college buildings.

Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration had prolonged the help’s availability by March 2026.

But in a March 28 letter, McMahon, a member of Republican President Donald Trump’s cupboard, mentioned states had had sufficient time to spend the cash and there have been higher makes use of for it.

The Education Department additionally mentioned it could be irreparably harmed if compelled to distribute cash it couldn’t recuperate if it received the lawsuit.

Before the case started, Maryland had $245.9 million of unspent cash, greater than every other state that sued, whereas New York had $134.2 million.

The case is New York et al v U.S. Department of Education et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-02990.

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