President Trump’s series of executive orders has disrupted vital anti-poverty, healthcare, housing, disaster relief, and education programs. Among these, education faces profound risks that could undermine the fabric of our democracy. EdTrust expresses deep concern over a memorandum issued last night by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), calling for a freeze on federal assistance by 5 p.m. today. This sudden directive, without warning or notice, affects not only nonprofits, universities, and state and local governments, but also jeopardizes programs critical to supporting vulnerable communities and underserved student populations. Fortunately, a federal judge has issued a stay of execution while the legality of this executive order remains in question.

Nevertheless, the memorandum mandates federal agencies to review, “all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities,” halting hundreds of billions — if not trillions — of dollars in funding from Congress. While the full scope of the action is not yet clear, its immediate implications are alarming and causing waves of panic. Early education programs like Head Start are struggling as reimbursement systems stall, while higher education initiatives designed to promote academic success and completion for Black, Latino, first-generation, disabled, military students and more, face existential threats. These programs are not just academic pipelines — they are lifelines, advancing access and opportunity for underserved populations.

Similarly, in the P-12 system, the sweeping language of the memorandum is causing widespread concern and panic. School districts dedicated to teaching America’s true history, delivering high-quality curricula, meeting students’ nutritional needs, providing critical after-school programs, and addressing unfinished learning from the pandemic now fear their efforts could be derailed. The abrupt freeze undermines schools’ ability to provide students with the tools they need to compete and succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive global economy.

This directive extends beyond fiscal policy — it represents a disturbing attempt to bypass constitutional processes and reshape governance in a way that serves narrow ideological interests rather than the broader public good. By circumventing Congress and disrupting programs designed to uplift communities, the administration is eroding the democratic principles that prioritize representation, equity, and accountability.

Rather than engaging in chaos and disrupting countless programs that support student academic success and well-being, we should be focused instead on addressing unfinished learning and strengthening our nation’s public schools, colleges, and universities. EdTrust stands ready to work with community, state, and federal partners to ensure that every child, particularly our most underserved, receives the supports, knowledge, and skills necessary to learn and thrive.

###