GOP States Demand Unlimited School Funding as Trump Advocates for Reduced Federal Education Role

Governors in several Republican-led states are urging the Trump administration to reduce federal oversight of education funding, aligning with long-held conservative goals. This movement comes as President Donald Trump advances steps to dismantle the Education Department.

Iowa has emerged as a focal point in this initiative, requesting the consolidation of its federal education aid into a single block grant, which would come with minimal spending restrictions. Historically, this concept has struggled to gain Congressional support, yet Iowa believes the Trump administration possesses the authority to enact these changes unilaterally.

Other states, including Oklahoma and Florida, are also expressing interest in similar reforms. Oklahoma’s education office is currently “actively investigating” a block grant solution, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly advocated for this funding model. Conservatives view this as a logical progression in Trump’s efforts to empower states over federal control.

Jim Blew, a former Education Department official, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “All states would like more flexibility and freedom.” A consolidation of education aid into block grants is seen by proponents as a way to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and redirect funds to areas of greatest need.

Despite this enthusiasm, critics warn that block grants could permit states to shift funds away from vulnerable student populations, such as low-income and English learner groups. Ivy Smith Morgan from EdTrust emphasized the importance of individual grants, stating, “They were created for specific reasons to serve specific groups of students.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has voiced support for allowing states more autonomy, although she clarified on CNN’s “State of the Union” that funding for students with disabilities would remain separate from Title I funds.

Iowa’s proposal aims to merge ten federal funding streams into a single state-managed grant, which officials argue would alleviate the burden of fragmented local investments. The requested consolidation includes Title I, which allocates over $100 million annually to Iowa’s schools.

Previous attempts to consolidate education funding have faced significant pushback, including Betsy DeVos’s budget proposal during Trump’s first term. The current approach, however, seeks to bypass Congress, as Iowa’s request asks the Education Department for a waiver of certain state requirements.

This proposed consolidation marks a potentially unprecedented move, raising the likelihood of legal challenges should it gain approval. Other Republican-led states, like Ohio and Kansas, are also pursuing similar initiatives, indicating a broader trend among conservative governors.

While some states remain hesitant, asserting they have no current plans to follow suit, Iowa’s proposal includes commitments to uphold civil rights protections for various student groups. Governor Kim Reynolds articulated that block grants would enhance state flexibility in managing federal funds.

As the Trump administration appears poised to reevaluate federal education funding structures, political advocates believe a renewed push for block grants may soon come to fruition.

Associated Press writers contributed to this report. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial backing from various private foundations, but the AP retains editorial independence.