Can Public Education Survive Trump’s Attacks?

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On Mar. 3, 2025, Donald Trump’s secretary of education, Linda McMahon, announced her intention to eliminate the department she was chosen to lead. As her first move in what she calls the department’s “final mission,” she announced a 50% reduction in the federal education department’s workforce. 

The cuts disproportionately impact the civil rights division, which critics say will most hurt disabled students. Trump’s Department of Education has also launched a special portal to end initiatives aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Anne Hyslop is the director of policy development at All4Ed, a national nonprofit advocacy organization committed to expanding equitable educational opportunities for students of color, students from low-income families, and other students who are members of marginalized groups. She spoke with YES! Senior Editor Sonali Kolhatkar on YES! Presents: Rising Up With Sonali about the impact of Trump’s attacks on public education.