AsianFin -- A coalition of predominantly Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully withholding approximately $6.8 billion in federally approved education funds.

The attorneys general or governors from 24 states and the District of Columbia brought the case to federal court in Providence, Rhode Island.

They allege that the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Office of Management and Budget unconstitutionally froze funding for six programs authorized by Congress, disrupting schools nationwide.

The lawsuit seeks a federal judge’s order to release the funds, which were scheduled to be distributed to states starting July 1. These funds are intended to support free or low-cost afterschool activities.