Town Hall Questions: Demand Congress Take Action to Stop Trump’s Attack on Public Education

Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, launching the most extreme attack on public education in modern history. This move threatens billions in federal funding, putting public schools, special education programs, student loans, and Pell Grants at risk.

As members of Congress head into recess from March 15th-23rd, this is our moment to hold them accountable. Democrats must take bold action to block this order, and Republicans must be forced to answer whether they stand with Trump or with students and teachers.

If your representative or senator is hosting a town hall or public community event, show up and demand answers. Below are questions you can ask to push Democrats to fight harder and force Republicans to take an unpopular position on the record.

  • QUESTIONS FOR DEMOCRATS

    • TOWN HALL QUESTIONS: DEMOCRATS

    Holding the Line: How Will You Stop Trump’s Education Cuts?

    Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education is a direct attack on students, teachers, and public schools across the country. As members of Congress head into recess, this is the moment to hold them accountable and demand strong action to block this dangerous order.

    If you’re attending a town hall or public event with a Democratic lawmaker, use these questions to push them to fight back:

    1. Budget & Appropriations

    Republicans will use the budget process to defund the Department of Education and dismantle public education piece by piece. Will you publicly commit to voting against any budget that cuts education funding? And will you fight to keep full funding for public schools, Pell Grants, and special education?

    2. Emergency Legislation

    Are you prepared to introduce or support emergency legislation that blocks Trump’s order and ensures that federal education funding remains in place? Congresswoman Jahana Hayes has already led the way by introducing the Department of Education Protection Act (H.R. 433) in January—will you be supporting this legislation? How will you work to get this passed as fast as possible?

    3. Public Pressure & Messaging

    Trump’s attack on the Department of Education is extreme and deeply unpopular. Will you use every tool at your disposal—floor speeches, media appearances, town halls—to sound the alarm and hold Republicans accountable for supporting this move?

    4. Legal Challenges & Investigations

    Trump’s executive order is likely unconstitutional and will devastate schools nationwide. Are you working with other Democrats, state attorneys general, or advocacy groups to challenge this order in court? What steps can Congress take to block its implementation legally?

    5. Will You Demand That Federal Education Programs Continue to Serve Every State Equally?

    If Trump’s order is implemented, it will disproportionately harm students in rural areas and states that rely heavily on federal education funding. Will you commit to ensuring that public education funding remains fully available to all states and that no state loses access to essential federal programs like Title I and IDEA?

  • QUESTIONS FOR REPUBLICANS

    • TOWN HALL QUESTIONS: REPUBLICANS

    Pick a Side: Trump’s Radical Attack on Public Education or Our Schools?

    Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education will gut funding for public schools, Pell Grants, special education, and student loan programs. The majority of Americans—including Republican voters—oppose this reckless move.

    If you’re attending a town hall or public event with a Republican lawmaker, force them to answer these questions on the record:

    1. Are You With Trump or With Students?

    Trump’s executive order will cut billions from public schools, gut funding for special education, and eliminate student loan programs. Do you support this extreme attack on education, or will you stand up to Trump and oppose his plan?

    2. Will You Vote Against a Budget That Defunds Public Education?

    The Department of Education provides critical funding for schools in every single state. Will you publicly commit to voting against any federal budget that slashes education funding or helps implement Trump’s executive order?

    3. What Happens to Students With Disabilities?

    Trump’s order would eliminate critical federal programs that protect students with disabilities. Can you explain what will happen to these students if the Department of Education is shut down? How will states be able to replace that funding?

    4. Do You Believe Public Schools Should Be Funded?

    Most Americans—including Republican voters—believe in fully funding public schools. Trump’s executive order puts that in jeopardy. Do you think public schools should continue to receive full federal funding? If so, will you commit to fighting back against this executive order?

    5. Why Won’t You Hold a Public Forum on Education?

    This is one of the biggest attacks on public education in our country’s history, and yet I don’t see you hosting a town hall specifically on this issue. Will you hold a public event to answer questions from parents, teachers, and students about the impact of Trump’s order?

  • HOW TO SCENARIOS

    • HOW TO USE THESE QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY

    • Write them down and bring them to town halls
    • Ask them directly on camera and share their response on social media
    • If your representative dodges the question, follow up: That wasn't a yes or no answer—will you commit to opposing this attack on public education?
    • If they refuse to answer, make it clear: Voters deserve to know whether you support cutting education funding. Why won’t you answer the question?

    This recess is our chance to put Democrats on the record for fighting back and force Republicans to take a stand. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!