WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at “dismantling the U.S. Department of Education:"

"High-quality public schools and talented teachers depend on robust federal support to support students, especially in Hillsborough and Pinellas. Trump and Elon Musk are simply stealing funds from students and families to pay for a massive tax giveaway to billionaires who do not need it. 

“Every student with a disability, every college student with a Pell grant and every student who relies on a student loan is at risk for a more costly and complicated pathway ahead.  Trump cannot eliminate vital education initiatives by illegal fiat. It is Congress that determines the levels of student support under the law. 

“Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), the seventh largest school district in the nation, will receive $78 million in Title I funding for the 2024-2025 school year, directly benefiting over 120,000 students across 172 schools. Pinellas County Schools receives Title I funding for 97 schools that would be jeopardized by eliminating the Department. Losing this funding means that some of our highest-need students would lose essential services designed to help them thrive. 

“Eliminating the Department would also disproportionately impact the 432,000 students with disabilities in Florida, who receive special services to empower them to attend school with their peers.

“It would eliminate Pell Grants and other initiatives to help with the high cost of college that help 459,000 students in Florida access higher education each year. It would leave 2.7 million Floridians with student loans in limbo.

“The Department has also been essential in addressing discrimination and ensuring equitable treatment for all students, regardless of race, gender, or income. Dismantling the Department removes a crucial tool for protecting students' rights and combating barriers that prevent students from accessing a free, high-quality education.

“The claim that transferring authority to the states will improve educational outcomes overlooks the reality that federal oversight ensures a minimum standard of quality and equity across all states. History has shown the significant inequalities in education that arise when state leaders are not held accountable for ensuring fair access to education. Without federal oversight, we risk worsening existing disparities and reversing decades of progress.

“I strongly oppose this illegal executive order and will work tirelessly with my colleagues in Congress to protect students and teachers. I will not stand for cutting public education dollars that will help students, create good-paying jobs, and support safe and healthy schools while President Trump and Congressional Republicans instead try to give billions in tax cuts and giveaways to their billionaire friends. The children’s future and our nation depend on a strong and equitable educational system that serves all students.”

U.S. Department of Education Support for Florida Students At Risk:

• $858 million to support 432,000 students with disabilities
• $73 million to support afterschool programs
• $11.5 million to support children of servicemembers living on a military base or children living on a Native American reservation
• $134 million for career and technical education initiatives
• $244 million to expand employment opportunities and services for people with disabilities
• $2.2 billion in Pell Grants, supporting 459,000 low- and middle-income students
• $20 million to recruit and train teachers

Learn more about the harmful impacts of Trump’s actions on children and students here.