Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Republican Attack on the U.S. Department of Education

Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement on President Trump signing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education: 

“This executive order signed by President Trump is a direct attack on students, teachers, and our education system. It shows a blatant disregard for our democracy, as only Congress has the authority to abolish federal agencies.

“Trump and Elon Musk have once again upended the lives of federal employees and harmed millions of people nationwide—all to cut government spending on essential services to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. The GOP assault on students will increase class sizes by laying off teachers, hurt children with disabilities and push college and job training out of reach. 

“I have to question whether Trump and Musk understand what the Department of Education actually does. The Department doesn’t develop curricula or set state education standards—those responsibilities are already managed by states and local school districts.

“The Department of Education is a vital agency that ensures that millions of students nationwide can pursue higher education through Pell Grants. It operates the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) allowing students to apply for loans, grants, and other aid, and oversees the college accreditation system. And it provides funding to help poor and disabled students enrolled in K-12 schools. Maybe if Trump and Musk had a better grasp of this, they would think twice before shortchanging our kids and grandkids.

“Democrats are working right now to support litigation to overturn this illegal order and fight for legislation that supports children from preschool to higher education. We are united in the fight against the Trump Administration’s assault on the Department of Education.” 

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