Murkowski Takes A Shot At Trump

Alaska Senator Warns of Serious Consequences if Funding Isn’t Restored

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is voicing deep concern over a Trump administration freeze on $6 billion in federal education funding, warning it could force school closures across her state. The funding halt is already impacting classrooms, teachers, and parents—especially in rural Alaska and urban areas like Anchorage and Fairbanks.

“We’re already seeing layoffs. Schools are preparing to shut down,” Murkowski told ABC News.

What’s at Risk: Summer Programs, Adult Learning, and English Education

The funding in question supports after-school programs, adult education, and English-language learning classes—all vital resources for working families and new Americans.

Last week, the Trump administration released about $1 billion of the frozen funds for after-school programs. But a staggering $5 billion remains locked up, with no official timeline for release.

Republicans Push Back: “These Are Not Woke Dollars”

Murkowski and eight other Republican senators, led by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), signed a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), demanding the rest of the education funds be freed up.

“These are essential services—not ideological experiments,” one Republican aide said privately.

The GOP senators rejected the claim that the withheld funds were tied to “woke” programming, insisting that delaying these dollars only hurts students, working parents, and communities trying to recover from years of economic strain.

Alaska’s Schools on the Brink

In places like Fairbanks and Anchorage, the lack of funding has already triggered tough decisions. Staff layoffs are underway, and some districts are preparing to shutter entire schools.

“These delays could keep people out of the workforce who are trying to get in,” Murkowski warned. “If you can’t read well or speak English fluently, you can’t get hired.”

Will the Full Funding Be Released? GOP Awaits White House Response

Despite the initial $1 billion release, $5 billion in critical education support is still sitting in Washington. Murkowski said she remains hopeful the Trump administration will act before the school year begins—but time is running out.

“I don’t want to call it a cut just yet,” Murkowski said. “But if it doesn’t come soon, that’s what it will be.”

Bottom Line: America’s Families Deserve Answers

This funding freeze has real consequences—teachers are losing their jobs, children are losing support, and communities are being left in the dark. Conservative lawmakers are right to demand clarity and action.

Should federal education dollars be used as political leverage? Let us know what you think in the comments.