The Trump administration is withholding nearly $7 billion in federal funding intended for K-12 public schools across the United States, prompting widespread criticism from Democratic lawmakers. In North Carolina, the freeze on $165 million in education funds threatens the jobs of approximately 1,000 educators and risks budget shortfalls that could impact underserved students. Florida's Broward County schools are missing over $30 million in critical resources due to the funding freeze, while Dallas Independent School District faces a $22 million gap. Democratic representatives, including Lucy McBath of Georgia and Bennie Thompson, have publicly demanded that the administration and the Office of Management and Budget release the withheld funds, emphasizing the adverse effects on students, teachers, and families. The withholding of funds has also been linked to broader concerns about the dismantling of the Department of Education, which some lawmakers argue will weaken the nation's long-term competitiveness.