Virginia Democrats criticize Trump’s order to close education department as governor touts readiness
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With the federal government attempting to shut down the Department of Education, Virginia is now considering how the move will impact operations in the commonwealth.
State Democrats and some parents and advocates have expressed concern with President Donald Trump’s signing on Thursday of the executive order directing U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to close the agency and move specific operations to other federal agencies.
However, Republicans, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, believe Virginia is ready for the opportunity that the executive order provides, giving states control over how they run public education.
“VirginiaisreadytotakefullresponsibilityforK-12education,”saidYoungkin,inastatementonThursday,addingthatthecommonwealthhascreateda“high-expectations”agendathatsetsstrictstandards,holdsschoolsaccountableanddirectsresourcestothoseingreatestneed.
“Wewelcomethefederalgovernment’sshiftofresponsibilitytothestates—andwearegratefulthatPresidentTrump’se
