At the White House on Thursday, President Trump signed an Executive Order that directs Secretary Linda McMahon to take all steps – allowed by law – to shrink the Education Department. The Department already saw about half its staff laid off earlier this month. During his remarks, President Trump admitted he’ll need Congressional approval to cut the federal agency.
“After 45 years, the United States spends more money on education by far than any other country and spends likewise, by far, more money per pupil than any other country, it’s not even close,” said President Trump. “And yet, we rank near the bottom of the list in terms of success.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement after President Trump issued the Executive Order.
“Attempting to dismantle the Department of Education is one of the most destructive and devastating steps Donald Trump has ever taken.
“This. Will. Hurt. Kids.
“This horrible decision by Donald Trump will be felt by teachers, parents, school leaders, and in the quality of education our children receive. Across the country property taxes will go up, while the quality of many schools will go down. Presidents cannot make departments and they cannot eliminate them either, only Congress can do that.
“The courts must act to uphold the rule of law and stop Donald Trump’s tyrannical power grab.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also released a statement:
“President Trump is playing games with our kids’ futures. By gutting the Department of Education, he will defund critical teacher training programs, forcing schools to operate with fewer teachers, counselors, social workers, and behavior specialists. He will deprive children with disabilities of the specialized education to which they have a right under federal law. And he is killing the dream of a college education for students who can’t afford it without federal assistance.
“Make no mistake – individual states simply do not have the funding, personnel, or expertise to provide this same level of support to millions of students. President Trump is prioritizing minimal cost savings from cutting a small federal department at the expense of the literacy and math skills that will allow our kids to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs in the future.
“Every child in this country – regardless of background – has the right to a high-quality and free public education. We will not stand idly by while President Trump and Elon Musk destroy the promise of education for all.”
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