Trump Administration Redirects Nearly $500 Million to Historically Black and Tribal Colleges

Sat Oct 18 2025 23:35:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A significant shift in federal funding by the Trump administration reallocate funds from minority-serving colleges to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges, citing constitutional concerns over previous grant programs.

The Trump administration is redirecting almost $500 million aimed at bolstering funding for historically Black colleges and tribal institutions. This funding shift comes along with a $350 million cut from existing programs at primarily Hispanic-serving colleges, deemed unconstitutional by the Education Department. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the administration's goal to eliminate 'ineffective and discriminatory programs' in favor of initiatives that promote broader access and success for students.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is redirecting nearly $500 million in federal funding toward historically Black colleges and tribal colleges, a one-time investment covered primarily by cuts to other colleges serving large numbers of minority students.

The Education Department announced the funding boost just days after reducing $350 million from existing grant programs, predominantly affecting colleges that serve high populations of Hispanic students. Officials stated these grants had been deemed unconstitutional due to their exclusive criteria for minority enrollment.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon asserted that the changes would reallocate funds from ineffective and discriminatory initiatives toward those that encourage student achievement. She emphasized, “The Department has scrutinized our federal grants to ensure that taxpayer money supports merit and educational excellence.”

The department plans to redirect an additional $60 million towards charter schools and approximately $137 million for American history and civics grants. Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order focusing federal money on charter schools and educational choice initiatives.

This budget increase represents a significant 48% enhancement for HBCUs and a more than doubling of funding for tribal colleges, according to the Education Department. This is made possible by more control over discretionary funding as a result of recent stopgap legislation passed by Congress.

Trump has previously labeled himself a strong advocate for HBCUs, with Congress previously adding $250 million annually to their funding during his first term. His administration also instituted measures like an annual summit and advisory board for HBCUs.

As the Education Department considers these shifts in funding, it has stated that funds will be eliminated from programs not necessarily aligned with the best interests of students, including those that support gifted education, magnet schools, and teacher training, featuring in the 2026 federal budget request.

The recent cuts to the Hispanic Serving Institution grant program reverse long-standing policy that aimed to improve college access and success for Latino students, drawing a backlash from Democrats and advocacy groups who argue that these programs are vital for maintaining educational equity.