Dozens of distinguished education groups are calling for $500 billion for state and local governments and a minimum of $175 billion for K-12 education. The White House insists it is following the lead of America’s medical doctors. In current days, Trump and his aides and allies have used speeches, social media and interviews to strain schools and colleges to return to full, in-person education in the fall. But the push is also driving a furious response from academics unions, parents and others in the education world who say they need more funding to reopen safely and that Trump’s political priorities will put youngsters and educators in harm’s means.

In the previous year, each parties submitted their very own payments with — anticipate it — major variations...