The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several other organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it aims to illegally dismantle Head Start, the federal program designed to provide early education to impoverished children in the United States.
The lawsuit, submitted in federal court in Washington State on Monday, represents Head Start associations and parent organizations across multiple states. It contends that the Trump administration lacks the authority to reduce or eliminate Head Start funding, as the program is financed by Congressional appropriations.
Head Start is a $12 billion annual initiative that delivers childcare, preschool, and various services for low-income children from birth to age five, prior to their entry into formal schooling.
Under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the program has faced budget cuts and workforce reductions as part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to decrease federal expenditures.
Reports indicate that the administration may propose the elimination of the Head Start program in its upcoming 2026 budget, which could be unveiled within the week. However, the White House has stated that no conclusive funding decisions have been reached, and any changes would require Congressional approval.
Jennesa Calvo-Friedman, an attorney with the ACLU, asserted that the Trump administration has already implemented measures to weaken Head Start “through a series of executive actions which make it harder and harder for Head Start programs to stay open.”
An HHS spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing the ongoing nature of the litigation.
The lawsuit also claims that the Trump administration has restricted and reduced funding for Head Start, stating that HHS spent nearly $1 billion less for the program from January to mid-April compared to the same period the previous year.
Additionally, the administration reportedly closed half of Head Start's regional offices and laid off staff earlier this month, which has led to delays in funding and operational issues. This has resulted in at least one childcare provider in Washington State temporarily shutting down and caused Head Start employees in Oregon to take unpaid leave.
The lawsuit criticizes a Trump administration directive that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, asserting that this prohibition conflicts with the necessary requirements for Head Start to effectively serve a diverse population, including many children with disabilities.
The legal action claims that the Trump administration is violating the constitutional principle of separation of powers, an ongoing concern during President Trump's tenure as he has sought to exert greater control over federal spending.
Lori Rifkin, an attorney with the Impact Fund, which filed the lawsuit alongside the ACLU, emphasized that “Head Start is a program established by law,” asserting that it is illegal for the Trump administration to unilaterally terminate or fundamentally alter its mission.
Established in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's war on poverty, the Head Start program allocates federal funding to local childcare and preschool providers across the nation. Approximately 30 percent of its participants reside in rural areas, according to the lawsuit.
In addition to early childhood education, the program also offers services like dental care and meals.