Trump Administration Targets $70 Million in University

The Trump administration plans to claw back nearly $70 million for domestic grant programs at the Education Department’s Office of International and Foreign Language Education. This cut is part of a broader $810 million pocket rescission announced by President Donald Trump, targeting funds across several agencies just days before the fiscal year ended.

Impact on language programs and national security

The Office of International and Foreign Language Education, or IFLE, was gutted in spring 2025 as part of mass layoffs at the department. It has historically overseen more than half a dozen grant programs designed to strengthen the nation’s foreign language capacity, improve diplomatic efforts, and provide a competitive boost in international business. During its tenure, the department supported over 220 less commonly taught languages throughout the United States.

IFLE-funded programs helped individuals become fluent in Urdu, Farsi and other critical languages after the Sept. 11 attacks. They have also been key in responding to the Russia-Ukraine war. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators, said: "This isn’t just nice to have; it’s necessary. There are critical languages that this country needs."

Developing this expertise takes decades. Sarah Beaton noted that some of these language classes probably had only two students. If the government or private sector needs someone who could speak Uzbek or Zulu, they’re probably going to be nonexistent.

Migrant student funds also at risk

An additional $25 million for migrant student programs is targeted for clawback. Miriam Feldblum, president of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, pointed out that undocumented students are not eligible for these programs. The cut therefore impacts a distinct population within higher education.

Legal challenges and procedural concerns

The administration's action bypassed the standard congressional approval process. Under the Impoundment Control Act, Congress is entitled to a 45-day review period before proposed spending cuts take effect. Trump announced the rescissions with just five days remaining in the federal fiscal year.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has called this action illegal on multiple occasions. This marks only the second such pocket rescission in 50 years, with both instances occurring during Trump’s second term. There is acknowledged legal ambiguity surrounding the use of pocket rescission so late in the fiscal calendar.

The move drew swift criticism from Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Collins said the action came without warning or consultation.

Reactions from education advocates

Education advocates warn the cuts will undermine national interests for decades. Craig Lindwarm is senior vice president for governmental affairs at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Jared Bass, a former House Appropriations Committee staffer, stressed that the White House shouldn’t cut funding for any program as the administration is supposed to faithfully execute the law.

Bass worries that suing the administration for funding apportionment may become the norm. Congress appropriates funding, but institutions are not guaranteed to receive it. Some groups have already sued the department over concerns that funds would expire.