Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne forcefully rejected Attorney General Kris Mayes’ claim that her lawsuit was responsible for the release of previously frozen federal education grant funds.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Horne declared, condemning Mayes’ assertions as misleading. He emphasized the funding pause was a routine oversight review, not a permanent cancellation.

On June 30, 2025, the Trump administration initiated a review of approximately $6.8 billion in federal education grants across 33 states, including Arizona. The pause affected critical programs such as after-school initiatives, teacher training, migrant education, and English-learner services. Horne noted that Arizona’s portion, roughly $124 million—about 1% of the state’s school funding—was temporarily paused while the Department of Education assessed compliance with federal priorities.

In a July 14 press release, Mayes stated: “By freezing $132 million in funds owed to Arizona’s students, President Trump and his administration were increasing costs for Arizona’s schools. It was unlawful for President Trump to hold up this education funding and wreak havoc on Arizona’s students and families.”

Mayes further characterized her lawsuit as essential in protecting Arizona’s education system. “The Trump administration’s unlawful freeze of these critical funds threw the start of the school year into chaos in Arizona,” she asserted. “School leaders had to scramble to see how they could make up for millions in lost funding. Teachers and aides worried if their jobs were in jeopardy. And students and families were left wondering what would happen to after-school programs. I am proud to have sued Donald Trump on their behalf to secure the funding our schools are legally owed and protect our communities from the consequences of this illegal overreach.”

Mayes joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general from 24 states to challenge the Trump-era funding pause, arguing it violated federal statutes by withholding congressionally appropriated funds.

However, Horne described the delay as merely a standard “positive review,” clarifying publicly on July 25 that the funds were never at risk of permanent cancellation. “The federal government released the funds upon conclusion of their review, exactly as anticipated,” Horne explained, underlining that litigation was unnecessary for the restoration of funds.

“If the Trump administration intended to cancel these funds, a lawsuit would only have motivated them to dig in further. They would appeal up to the Supreme Court if necessary,” Horne stated. “The suggestion they simply gave up due to litigation is absurd.”

Horne highlighted that the funds had already been released on July 25, significantly before Mayes’ announcement, labeling her statement “behind the times” and politically motivated.

The exchange between Mayes and Horne highlights ongoing political tensions between two of Arizona’s top statewide officials. While Mayes frames the lawsuit as a decisive legal win, Horne maintains the funding was never in jeopardy and accuses Mayes of using the situation to score political points.