Washington (February 4, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement today after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education at a White House press conference. In Massachusetts, the U.S. Department of Education last year provided more than $720 million to support 1,800 K-12 schools and more than 926,000 students.

“Investment in our children is an investment in our future. Dismantling the Department of Education would do the opposite by making it harder for children to achieve and for parents, caregivers, and communities to thrive. President Trump wants to lock the promise of public education — of equal opportunity and hope for all — behind an ivory tower accessible only to his billionaire donors at a time when a third of children in America cannot read proficiently. It is callous and cynical.

“This attack on educators, families, and students will not go unanswered. I will not stop fighting for our future.”

President Trump’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Education, Linda McMahon, is expected to appear before the HELP Committee.

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