ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa fired back Wednesday at President-elect Donald Trump’s push to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, calling the move “catastrophic” and a “direct attack” on the state’s schools. In a sharply worded joint statement, the Democratic leaders warned that breaking up the federal agency and shifting its duties elsewhere would put millions of New York students at risk and disrupt everything from special education services to civil rights enforcement in classrooms. “We won’t go down without a fight – not when our kids are on the line,” they declared, vowing to defend public education against what they described as an attempt to dismantle the nation’s school system.

Joint Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul and State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa

“The Trump administration’s decision to tear apart the Department of Education carries catastrophic consequences for education nationwide. By outsourcing the Department’s responsibilities to other federal agencies, the administration is moving closer to its misguided goal of dismantling our education system, and in doing so, threatens to upend New York’s school system, putting millions of students’ educations at risk. Make no mistake, this maneuver is a direct attack on New York teachers, students, and families and its effects will be felt in schools statewide.

“New York is committed to standing up for our students and ensuring their futures remain front and center. We won’t go down without a fight – not when our kids are on the line.”

November 18, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov/ , Big New York News BigNY.com