Bonamici Strongly Condemns Trump Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education

WASHINGTON, DC [3/20/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Ranking Member of the Early Childhood and Secondary Education Subcommittee, released the following statement on President Trump’s expected Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education.

“Trying to dismantle the Department of Education is a direct attack on students, families, and educators across the country who are seeking a brighter future through education,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Public schools open doors to opportunity for millions of students and they should be supported, not undermined. 

“The President does not have the authority to dismantle the Department of Education. Congress created the Department and only Congress, not the President, has authority to dismantle it. This Executive Order will be challenged in Congress and in the courts. 

“The federal investment in public education is vital to help level the playing field so all students in every corner of every state have the opportunity to get a quality education. About 90 percent of all students and 95 percent of students with disabilities attend public schools. Eliminating programs that are essential to their success is abhorrent, especially when the administration plans to take important programs away from students to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. 

“Most Americans oppose eliminating the Department of Education because they, unlike Donald Trump and Elon Musk, understand the value of the programs it supports. Title I provides the additional support needed for schools with a high population of low-income students. Funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is critical for schools to provide the education required by law to students with disabilities. Federal support for Career and Technical Education programs helps to engage students with hands-on learning. Pell Grants, work study, and student loans open the doors of opportunity for students who seek a higher education but don’t have the resources to pay for tuition and expenses. And the Department of Education enforces the civil rights of every student in public school to be free from discrimination.

“Eliminating these programs and other important federal support will result in massive gaps of opportunity for millions of students across the country, and shifting the burden to state and local governments will result in increased taxes, larger class sizes, loss of programming, worse outcomes, and doors of opportunity closing for millions of Americans.

“Additionally, the administration has said that there is a need to return authority over education to the States and local communities. Wrong again. States and local communities already have authority over education; in fact, federal law expressly prohibits Congress from dictating curriculum. State legislatures and school boards have that power and authority now so there is nothing to ‘return.’

“This Executive Order has its roots in Project 2025 and would have devastating consequences for students with disabilities, students from low-income or rural communities, those who experience discrimination and harassment, and public education in general. It would also jeopardize the wellbeing of student loan borrowers and individuals who are pursuing or plan to pursue a higher education and overall send a message to the world that the United States does not value education. I will do all I can to oppose this extreme abuse of power and will continue to advocate for students, families, educators, and the economic benefits that come from an educated country.”

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