PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, after President Donald Trump signed a new executive order intended to unilaterally shutter the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) pointed out that despite Trump’s partisan posturing, he lacks the authority to close a federal agency authorized by Congress with the stroke of a pen.  

Reed vowed to oppose the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash K-12 education funding, layoff educators, and permanently shutter the U.S. Department of Education, noting it would lead to larger class sizes in public schools, decrease services for disabled students, reduce job training opportunities, and increase the cost of college for working families.

Today, Senator Reed stated:

“President Trump’s effort to abolish the U.S. Department of Education would shortchange students, undercut K-12 public schools nationwide, and make the cost of college even more expensive for working families.  We need to raise education standards, not lower them.  I will continue working to wisely invest in the best interests of students and taxpayers.

“I suspect President Trump may be upset when he learns the executive order he signed today doesn’t actually override the Constitution.  He lacks both the authority and requisite Congressional support to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.  I will do everything I can to oppose this wasteful, extremist attempt to shortchange students and hang school districts in need out to dry.  People want a President focused on the costs of food, housing and insurance, but tragically President Trump is focused on a host of ideological, right-wing hobby horses.”

Abolishing the U.S. Department of Education would require both a majority vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and 60 votes in the U.S. Senate to bypass a filibuster.  Senator Reed said it is clear President Trump lacks the votes in the U.S. Senate, noting that Republicans currently hold a majority with 53 seats.

Though education is largely under state and local control in the U.S., the U.S. Department of Education was created to provide critical guidance, support, protections, and funding for students, teachers, and public education across the nation.

While the standalone federal department does not control what is taught in U.S. schools, its responsibilities include:

  • Administering billions in federal funding to almost every public school, including funds that help support students from low-income families and students with disabilities;
  • Providing and monitoring federal financial aid for postsecondary education, including Pell Grants and student loans;
  • Collecting data on schools;
  • Supporting and disseminating research;
  • Focusing national attention on educational issues, and;
  • Prohibiting discrimination and upholding civil rights. 

According to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), the state receives approximately $275 million in federal funds to support public education, including $65 million for ‘Title I’ programs that serve low-income students and families, $60 million to support students with disabilities, $48 million to help feed students, and $11 million for career and technical education. Additionally, in 2024, more than $95 million in Pell Grants flowed to Rhode Island students and families to help pay for college.

Senator Reed said that the Trump Administration should be focused on improving public education and helping students succeed. Instead, Trump’s proposed plans to cut key programs and dismantle critical supports for teachers and students would have a disastrous effect on Rhode Island families and would hurt public schools and school departments throughout the state.

“Education is the foundation for our nation’s competitiveness and the prosperity of our communities.  It is essential for a strong society and a brighter future for America.  We can’t afford to leave anyone behind.  But that’s what the Trump Administration is suggesting they will do.  We won’t let them.  We will fight this short-sighted, cynical ploy in Congress and the courts.  And we will keep working to improve education and expand opportunities for all Americans.  That is the promise of America and what make our country great,” said Senator Reed.