NY Dems call Trump’s plan to shut down the DOE “illegal” and “unconstitutional.”
As the nation awaits President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a heated debate has erupted in New York over the legality of such a move. While the White House argues that cutting wasteful government funding is not a crime, New York Democrats are adamant that Trump’s plans are both illegal and unconstitutional.
Senator Kristen Gillibrand and Governor Kathy Hochul of New York held a press conference at a Manhattan public school to denounce Trump’s proposed actions. Gillibrand emphasized the potential consequences of shutting down the Department of Education, pointing out the risk to thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in federal funding for New York’s schools and students.
The White House, however, dismissed the Democrats’ concerns as “gaslighting” and accused them of trying to distract from their recent electoral defeat. White House principal deputy press secretary, Harrison Fields, defended the administration’s plans to slash waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending, arguing that it is not a crime in the eyes of the law.
Despite the backlash from Democrats, Trump is expected to move forward with defunding the Department of Education in the coming weeks. This has sparked protests and outrage among lawmakers who fear the impact on New York’s education system. Governor Hochul warned that homeowners and businesses could bear the financial burden if federal funding for education is cut.
Gillibrand and Hochul stressed the importance of congressional approval for such a drastic action, highlighting the unconstitutional nature of Trump’s plans. They raised concerns about the potential loss of Pell Grants for low-income students and the impact on New York City’s public school nutrition programs, which provide meals for students in need.
The Democrats argued that dismantling the Department of Education could cost New York’s students nearly $1 billion annually, jeopardizing vital resources and support for education. They called on New York Republicans to stand up for the state’s public school students and urged action to protect education funding.
As the debate rages on, Democrats are joining forces to oppose Trump’s education plans, with protests outside the Department of Education and calls for accountability from acting Secretary Denise Carter. The future of education funding and support for New York’s students hangs in the balance as the political battle intensifies.
