Trump Directs Millions to HBCUs and Tribal Colleges Amid Broad Education Cuts

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced plans to reallocate nearly $500 million to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges, even as it makes sharp cuts to other minority-serving institutions.

The Department of Education detailed the shift on Sept. 15, saying the move reflects President Donald Trump’s push to fund his top education priorities. Alongside the new HBCU and tribal funding, the agency will dedicate $500 million to charter schools and invest over $160 million in American history and civics education programs. Officials cited recent reports of declining K-12 achievement as justification for the charter school boost.

“Today, the Department is making three massive investments—moving money away from ineffective, discriminatory programs and into those that actually support student success,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.

Funding reshuffle sparks controversy

The decision comes just days after the administration froze more than $350 million in grants for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include campuses serving Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian students. The administration argues that awarding grants based on racial or ethnic enrollment is unconstitutional.

Trump, who has repeatedly called for eliminating the Education Department altogether, has already proposed a 15% budget cut for the agency in his 2026 plan.

With the latest reallocation, total federal investment in HBCUs for 2025 surpasses $1.34 billion, while tribal colleges will receive more than $108 million.

Praise and pushback

UNCF, a nonprofit that funds scholarships for Black students, applauded the decision. Lodriquez Murray, senior vice president for public policy, called it “nothing short of a godsend for HBCUs,” saying the money will support everything from facility upgrades and laboratory equipment to student and faculty support.

But many education leaders and Democrats criticized the move. Amanda Fuchs Miller, a former deputy assistant secretary under President Joe Biden, argued the administration had exceeded its authority. “Congress decides how money is spent,” she wrote. “The Department of Ed cannot just defund authorized programs and redirect that money for political reasons.”

Deborah Santiago of Excelencia in Education said the changes raise constitutional questions, while Mamie Voight of the Institute for Higher Education Policy warned they pit “resources for one community against resources for another,” creating long-term challenges for students—especially at Hispanic-serving institutions.

Political backdrop

Trump has made highly visible efforts to align himself with HBCUs, part of a broader strategy to appeal to Black voters. Earlier this year, he signed an executive order promoting “excellence and innovation” at HBCUs, though critics described it as mostly symbolic.

McMahon defended the funding overhaul: “We will use every available tool to meaningfully advance educational outcomes and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed.”

The changes affect the current budget year, which expires Sept. 30 unless Congress passes a new spending bill or temporary funding measure.