KEEPING IT 100: NORTH CAROLINA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER $50 MILLION SCHOOL CUTS

RALEIGH, NC — December 31, 2025.   North Carolina didn’t wait for the new year to make its move. Just hours before the ball dropped, Attorney General Jeff Jackson stood at the podium and announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration — accusing federal officials of slashing $50 million in education funding from rural and low-income schools across the state.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims the Department of Education made a “surprise cut” with almost no notice, leaving districts scrambling mid-school year. Jackson says the funding loss could force schools to shut down programs, lay off staff, and leave vulnerable students behind.

“These schools were given almost no warning,” Jackson said. “This isn’t just bad policy — it’s a betrayal of our kids.”

WHAT’S AT STAKE

The $50 million in question was earmarked for rural and low-income districts, including counties like Lenoir, Greene, Pitt, and Wayne. The funds supported:

• Teacher salaries

• After-school programs

• Technology access

• Mental health services

• Transportation for remote students

Without it, some districts say they’ll be forced to cut essential services — in the middle of the academic year.

WHY THE CUT HAPPENED

According to federal officials, the Trump administration canceled the grant after accusing North Carolina schools of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives — a move critics say is politically motivated.

Jackson called the reasoning “shameful” and said the lawsuit will expose the real cost of partisan interference in public education.

THE LEGAL FIGHT AHEAD

This isn’t North Carolina’s first clash with the Trump administration. Since taking office, Jackson has joined multiple lawsuits challenging federal actions — but this one hits closest to home.

The lawsuit seeks:

• Immediate restoration of the $50 million

• A court order blocking future surprise cuts

• Damages for districts already impacted

  
  

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This case isn’t just about money — it’s about power. It’s about whether a president can punish states for how they educate their children. It’s about whether rural schools get left behind while political battles play out in Washington.

And it’s about North Carolina drawing a line — saying, “Not our kids. Not this time.”