A federal judge just temporarily blocked the Trump administration from withholding over $1 billion in COVID-19 school aid — funds that were specifically set aside to help students still recovering from the academic impact of the pandemic.

The money was meant to support students from low-income families, homeless youth, and those who fell behind during school closures. Instead, the Department of Education tried to take it back.

In April, New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 16 attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for trying to take back over $1 billion in unspent pandemic school relief funds.

This isn’t just about New York. It’s about every student in America still struggling to catch up.

States were told they had until 2026 to spend this aid. But now, the Trump administration is trying to claw it back early, claiming schools had “ample time” — despite widespread need and ongoing learning gaps.

Attorney General James called the move “a disgraceful betrayal of our students,” and she’s right.

We applaud the judge, Edgardo Ramos of U.S. District Court, who issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Education Department from rescinding the aid.

Now - we are calling on the Judge Edgardo Ramos to issue a permanent block. 

Help us stop Dept. of Education from withholding the money promised to support kids.

Tell them to stop putting politics ahead of student recovery and educational equity.