Federal judge blocks Trump-era cuts to teacher-training grants

In a decision issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley declared a 2025 Education Department order unlawful, stating it breached statutory requirements and was capricious. The order had cut about $600 million from teacher-training grants, labeling them as supporting "divisive ideologies" such as diversity, equity and inclusion. Kelley criticized the administration for failing to provide notice or solicit public comment, and for ignoring the extensive reliance of states, teachers, principals and students on the funds.

While the judgment does not reinstate the money, it directs future recovery claims to the Court of Federal Claims. The cuts had been contested by a coalition of eight Democratic-led states, which argued the reductions undermined programs that improve teacher retention in subjects like math, science and special education.