Caribbean-American Congressman Condemns Trump’s Executive Order

News Americas, New York, NY, March 20, 2025: Caribbean-American Congressman Adriano Espaillat, (NY-13) has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, warning of its dire consequences for students, teachers, and families nationwide.

Background and Concerns

In a powerful statement, Rep. Espaillat emphasized that the Department of Education was established to ensure equal access to quality education by providing federal oversight and support. “Abolishing it requires an Act of Congress,” he stated, highlighting the overreach of Trump’s executive action.

Caribbean American Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., has slammed the closure by the Trump administration of the Department of Education. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Consequences of the Executive Order

Donald Trump has instructed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin shutting down the agency, a task that cannot be completed without approval from Congress.

Espaillat described the move as a direct assault on K-12 schools, higher education, and essential programs such as Federal Pell Grants and student loan assistance. These programs have long provided a pathway to academic and economic success for countless students, particularly those from underserved communities.

“Dismantling this federal agency will put equal access to quality education in jeopardy by increasing existing disparities and reducing accountability to support vulnerable students, including minority youth, persons with disabilities, and English Language Learners (ELLs),” Espaillat warned. He further cautioned that the decision would shrink job opportunities, weaken the national workforce, and harm the country’s global competitiveness.

Response and Commitment

“Education has served as the backbone of our country for generations,” the Congressman asserted. “We will challenge these actions in the courts and do all it takes to ensure this vital federal support for educational institutions, teachers, and students remains intact.”

Espaillat, a champion of immigrant and minority rights, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting educational opportunities and fighting against policies that threaten the nation’s future.

Conclusion

The condemnation of Trump’s executive order by Congressman Espaillat highlights the importance of preserving the Department of Education and its role in ensuring equal access to quality education. The potential consequences of dismantling the agency are far-reaching and could have a devastating impact on students, teachers, and families nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Department of Education responsible for?

A: The Department of Education is responsible for ensuring equal access to quality education by providing federal oversight and support.

Q: What are the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education?

A: The potential consequences include increasing existing disparities, reducing accountability to support vulnerable students, shrinking job opportunities, weakening the national workforce, and harming the country’s global competitiveness.

Q: What is Congressman Espaillat’s stance on the executive order?

A: Congressman Espaillat strongly condemns the executive order and has committed to challenging the actions in court and fighting to preserve the Department of Education.