Arizona leaders react to Trump’s executive order calling for elimination of U.S. Education Department

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department, advancing a campaign promise to take apart the agency.

The order says Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities,” according to The Associated Press.

The order does not detail how that work will be carried out or where it will be targeted. The White House said the agency will retain certain critical functions.

Tyler Kowch, communications manager from Save Our Schools Arizona, called the order disappointing and infuriating, but not unexpected.

“This executive order is, first of all, unlawful,” Kowch told KTAR News reporter Balin Overstolz on Thursday. “The President does not have the authority to unilaterally overturn congressionally passed grants and laws and this is a blatant attempt to dismantle our public education system and divert federal funding that goes towards vulnerable students to private school vouchers for the rich.”

Kowch noted that the order could see road blocks through the court system, like many of the president’s orders have.

“Unfortunately, even if that is the case, this is still going to impose incredible levels of uncertainty and chaos and, paired with the staff layoffs from last week, there is still going to be dramatic impacts on Arizona educators and students,” he said.

“Trump truly has no experience with public education,” he continued. “Despite his claims that the Department of Education has failed, the Department of Education does not have purview over curriculum or testing. That is solely the responsibility of the state. What the Department of Education does provide is legal protections for students. It distributes critically needed federal funding and conducts research on what is the best educational practices, and all of that could go away with this executive order.”

Last week, a coalition of 21 attorneys general that includes Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced a lawsuit to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education.

More reactions to Trump’s executive order on Department of Education

Arizona leaders on both sides of the political aisle reacted to President Trump’s executive order.

Here is what they said:

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne: “The Federal Department of Education was unnecessary and added bureaucracy for states. Thank you President (Trump) for bringing education back to the states where it belongs.”

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego: “Donald Trump just gave the order to dismantle the Department of Education. He wants fewer resources for teachers and fewer opportunities for our kids—just so his billionaire friends can get richer.”

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs: “Taxpayer funding for public schools is at an all-time high, but test scores are at an all-time low. The radical Biden-Harris regime weaponized the Department of Education against their opponents. President Trump is rightfully returning power to the States and parents.”

U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari: “With the support of Republicans in Congress, Donald Trump just followed through on his plan to gut the Department of Education. This means kids kicked out of kindergarten, special education slashed, and teachers fired. This reckless and irrational move will devastate our future — all to give tax breaks to billionaires at the expense of our kids. We’re going to fight this illegal EO with every tool we have.”

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane: “There is a better way.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton: “Trump’s executive order to eliminate the Department of Education is a direct attack on Arizona kids.”

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly: “I’m the proud product of a good public school education. Getting rid of the Department of Education won’t improve schools or help kids in Arizona get ahead. It will further undermine public schools, making it harder for kids from working families like mine or who need a little extra help to get a good education.”

Gov. Katie Hobbs: ““I am deeply concerned about the actions that are being taken to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Arizona receives almost $1 billion in ongoing K-12 education programs through the Department of Education. Arizona students also rely on the Department to access the FAFSA that unlocks Pell Grants and other financial aid. Any potential cuts to these critical funding streams and services would have far-reaching effects on Arizona students from preschool to K-12 and higher education.”

Balin Overstolz and The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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