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President Trump Is Not a King: Congress Must Stop His Attack on Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Jake Green, jgreen@ncjw.org

WASHINGTON – After President Trump released an executive order to close the Department of Education, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz, a former public elementary school teacher, released the following statement:

“The American people elected Donald Trump as president, not king. He does not have the power to unilaterally dismantle the Department of Education — that authority belongs  to Congress alone. The mere suggestion that he does should alarm the entire nation. If Congress allows the Trump administration to close the department unilaterally, they will be complicit in dismantling the very foundation of our democracy — a system built on checks and balances. We call on every member of Congress to condemn this abuse of power and use every tool at their disposal to save the Department of Education.

“But this is not just a test for Congress; it is a test for all of us. When power goes unchecked, we all lose. Now is the time for every one of us to speak out, demand accountability, and fight for the future of our children and our democracy.

“This isn’t just about constitutional limits — it’s about the future of our nation. Will we stand by as more than 50 million children lose their right to learn in safe, supportive environments? Will we turn away as students are abandoned to a system with no accountability, protections, or future? Without federal oversight, children with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and those from low-income families will lose critical resources and protections. They could be denied essential resources, qualified teachers, nutritious school meals, and safe learning spaces. For millions, this isn’t just policy — it’s survival. Stripping these protections deepens inequities and puts their futures at risk. Every child deserves an education and the opportunity to thrive.

“National Council of Jewish Women’s (NCJW) 225,000 advocates are taking action — pressuring Congress to protect every child’s right to learn. But this fight is bigger than education — it’s about safeguarding democracy itself. When a president oversteps their authority, it threatens the checks and balances that protect us all. NCJW will not stop fighting for children’s futures — and for the democratic principles that uphold them.”

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NCJW is a 131 year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 225,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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