The Trump administration is using an obscure budget procedure to withhold more than $2 billion in education funding Congress approved in February. The federal Office of Management and Budget has apportioned little or no fiscal 2026 funding for 33 competitive grant programs totaling over $1.8 billion, with similar delays affecting some Institute of Education Sciences research funding. Education advocates and budget experts warn the pattern could foreshadow broader funding disruption later in the year because departments cannot award new grant competitions or replenish ongoing grants until apportionment occurs for each program. While many formula grants are reportedly not affected, colleges and educators waiting on grant cycles face uncertainty about timing. The department has launched competitions for some programs that are missing apportioned funds, but awards and expenditures remain constrained. The situation matters for campus planning because grant-dependent staffing, interventions, and research timelines can shift quickly when federal cash management changes midstream.