Congresswoman Waters Denounces Trump’s Unconstitutional Executive Order Abolishing the Department of Education
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order abolishing the U.S. Department of Education.
“Once again, Donald Trump has issued another reckless and appalling executive order. This time, it’s abolishing the U.S. Department of Education. As any high school student knows, Trump cannot singlehandedly abolish the Department of Education. This blatantly unconstitutional executive order is just another piece of evidence that Trump has absolutely no respect for the Constitution, which he took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend when he was sworn in as president.
“We cannot allow Trump to ignore the Constitution, steal funds that belong to our schools, colleges, and universities, frighten students, confuse teachers and administrators, and threaten the very fabric of our nation’s educational system.
“It’s reckless and cruel for the president to even consider abolishing the Department of Education. Last year, the state of California received over $10 billion from the Department of Education. These funds were appropriated by Congress and allocated for key programs like Title I assistance for local schools, Pell Grants for low-income college students, special education, and grants for schools that need the most support. This funding helps ensure students across the state have access to vital resources and opportunities.
“California’s 43rd District alone serves nearly 180,000 students, and this federal support plays a critical role in funding programs that support basic education in reading, math and science, assist students with disabilities, provide financial aid for higher education, and help schools in underfunded areas improve educational outcomes. Trump will put all of this funding at risk.
“In my district, we are fortunate to be served by several dedicated school districts that are working tirelessly to provide quality education, including Torrance Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Compton Unified, Inglewood Unified, Hawthorne School District, Lawndale Elementary School District, Wiseburn Unified School District, Centinela Valley Union High School District, and Lennox School District. These school districts, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, are committed to fostering an environment where all students, whether they are from South Los Angeles, Watts, Willowbrook, or the diverse cities and communities of the South Bay, can thrive.
“I will continue working tirelessly to strengthen the Department of Education and make sure that it continues to do its job for the American people.”