Protesters gathered outside the Department of Education to rally against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which is rumored to be planning massive cuts to the Education Department. The protesters, many of whom are former Education Department officials, chanted slogans and held signs criticizing both Musk and President Donald Trump’s administration. Fox Business Senior Correspondent Charles Gasparino reported that email notifications were sent out to education department employees instructing them to vacate their offices by 6 p.m. Tuesday, with the offices remaining closed the following day.
Trump is expected to issue an executive order directing the closure of the Department of Education, citing the failure of federal programs to effectively control American education and support students and families. However, protesters outside the Education Department headquarters argued that dismantling the agency would harm children and families. Former federal employees expressed concerns that cuts to programs and funding would negatively impact students, especially those in special education and English learning programs. The rally speakers emphasized the importance of federal funding for education and criticized the administration’s focus on tax cuts for the wealthy.
Rebecca Pringle, president of the National Education Association, emphasized that fully abolishing the Education Department would require bipartisan cooperation and 60 votes in the Senate. The protesters are planning national walk-in protests on March 19 to hold Congress members accountable and advocate for continued federal support for education. Katie Gates, an activist with Voters of Tomorrow, urged the administration to reconsider their plans to dismantle the Department of Education, emphasizing the wide-ranging impacts such actions would have on children, parents, communities, and schools.
The rally highlighted the deep concerns among educators and former government employees about the potential consequences of cutting funding and programs in the Department of Education. Speakers highlighted the need for support and learning opportunities for students, rather than just focusing on efficiency. With ongoing discussions about the future of the Education Department and federal education programs, there is a growing call for policymakers to prioritize the needs of students and families. The rally outside the Education Department headquarters served as a platform for former employees and activists to speak out against the proposed cuts and closures.
