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Davids Statement on Trump’s Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education

March 20, 2025

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) released the following statement after President Trump announced his plan to close the U.S. Department of Education. Davids is a graduate of Leavenworth High School and Johnson County Community College. 

 

“Donald Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education isn’t about improving schools — it’s about diverting taxpayer dollars away from our kids to give more handouts to his billionaire friends. We’ve seen what happens when politicians take a wrecking ball to public education — just look at what Brownback did here in Kansas. It led to teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and crumbling schools.

 

“I respect the role of states in shaping their education systems, but the U.S. Department of Education fills critical gaps — ensuring students with disabilities get the support they need, helping rural schools stay afloat, and keeping our country competitive against places like China. Trump’s plan would gut these resources, leaving teachers jobless and students with fewer opportunities. I won’t stand by while he gambles with our children’s futures just to give more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy.”

 

What’s at Stake for Kansas if Trump Gets His Way: Formerly closing the Department of Education would require an act of Congress, but the President’s actions will severely disrupt its ability to support students, teachers, and schools. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has already taken steps to drastically shrink the department, cutting its workforce by half.

 

Cuts to the 1,300 K-12 schools and nearly 500,000 students, including:

  • Support for 81,000 students with disabilities
  • Resources for 165,000 students from low-income families
  • Investments for safe and healthy schools, after-school programs, and academic enrichment
  • Support for students in rural schools, military families, and Native communities

Cuts to Workforce Development & Career Readiness:

  • Support for career, STEM, and technical education
  • Programs to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities

Cuts to Higher Education & Student Support:

  • Pell Grants supporting 46,000 students in Kansas – a quarter of all undergraduates
  • Federal student loans benefiting 385,000 borrowers
  • Support for first-generation and Minority-Serving Institutions

Cuts to Teacher & School Support:

  • Investments in mental health services in schools
  • Investment in recruiting and training teachers
  • Development of career pathways in high-demand industries
Issues:Education