Golden State Today

California Attorney General Bonta has issued a statement in response to President Trump's executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Bonta emphasized that the Trump Administration is aware that eliminating the department requires Congressional approval, yet it persists in efforts to undermine its functions.

"The Trump Administration knows, and even acknowledges, that the President cannot eliminate the U.S. Department of Education without Congressional approval," Bonta stated. He criticized these actions as part of a "clearly stated 'final mission' of shuttering the Department for good."

Bonta's office plans to scrutinize how this executive order will be implemented, particularly focusing on its practical effects rather than presidential claims. "My office will be looking at what this executive order actually does – not what the President says it will do," he said.

He assured vigilance over any instructions given to Education Secretary McMahon and their subsequent impact. "We will be monitoring closely to see how the President’s instructions to Education Secretary McMahon translate into concrete actions."

Bonta expressed his commitment to protecting educational interests: "Rest assured: I will not let President Trump’s reckless efforts to fulfill his campaign promises come at the expense of the health, education, and well-being of our kids."

The Attorney General highlighted previous legal actions taken against similar measures by stating, "Last week, we sued the Trump Administration over the mass firing of Department of Education workers – another step in its end goal of dismantling the Department from within." He vowed continued legal action as necessary.