Senator Baldwin Accuses Trump Administration of Illegally Impounding Education Funds

On June 3rd, 2025, during a Senate hearing, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) publicly accused the Trump administration of planning to illegally impound federally appropriated funds designated for the Department of Education. Baldwin, the ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee, expressed "deep concern" over the administration's actions, stating, “While this administration clearly wants to eliminate the Department of Education, Congress has not passed any law to do so. Quite the opposite, in fact.” She further criticized the administration's proposed 15% reduction in education funding for FY2026, calling it a move to "score political points regardless of the impact on tens of millions of public school students." The hearing featured a tense exchange between Baldwin and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who remained silent throughout Baldwin's accusations. The incident highlights the ongoing political battle over education funding and the administration's approach to the Department of Education.