Larson Statement on Trump Order to Shut Down the Department of Education
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating the Department of Education.
“Eliminating the Department of Education, something the President has no power to do on his own, is another effort to pay for his tax breaks for the wealthy, this time by taking away resources from our kids and educators,” said Larson. “Donald Trump has enlisted Elon Musk to find $2 trillion in cuts to accomplish this goal, and they are leaving no stone unturned. This week, they put their plan into motion to gut the Social Security Administration, and now, they are turning their attention to the Department of Education. Trump and Musk’s plan for the Department of Education is intentionally vague, allowing for incredibly broad cuts, but the American people deserve clarity. They must come before Congress and explain their plan for the future of America’s educational system in the full light of day. Make no mistake —Trump wants to shut down the Department of Education, so Americans remain in the dark on Trump and Musk’s true agenda and the impact it will have on their lives. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the kids, parents, and educators this rogue President is attacking with this order and will fight to ensure our kids have the resources they need to get ahead.”
Eliminating the Department of Education could have a deep impact on students, parents, and educators. In Connecticut, the Department’s programs fund:
$156 million for Title I schools that serve 183,000 students
$286 million for Pell Grants that support 63,000 students to be able to afford a college education
$174 million that supports the 88,000 students with disabilities across Connecticut
Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of Rep. Jahana Hayes’ Department of Education Protection Act to ensure federal funding is not used to downsize or restructure the Department.