Representative John Garamendi, a Democrat from California’s 8th Congressional District, issued a statement regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting the Department of Education. According to Garamendi, the order marks “an official declaration of war on America’s students.”
Garamendi criticized the executive order, asserting that Trump lacks “the authority to dismantle a federal agency by executive order,” and labeled it “another unconstitutional overreach by his administration and Congressional Republicans.” The Congressman expressed concerns about resulting consequences if the order is enacted, predicting adverse effects such as increased class sizes, teacher layoffs, cuts to special education, and higher college expenses. He also warned of “widespread harm” to students and potential risks to civil rights protections.
“This order is not only illogical but also personal,” Garamendi noted, referencing his ties to the education community as the father of public-school teachers and grandfather of school-aged children.
Garamendi concluded by committing to oppose the executive order, promising to “work alongside House Democrats to challenge this unlawful order in court” and to seek legislation that would bolster the educational system. “Our children’s future depends on it,” he emphasized.
