Teachers and families in areas where Donald Trump’s “America First” message was popular may face major problems if big cuts to federal education funding happen.
Tom Gambrel, the superintendent of schools in Bell County, Kentucky, said he voted for Trump with his students in mind. However, he told CNN he hopes Trump doesn’t follow through with plans to cut education funding.
“I don’t think anyone in our county wants school funding to be cut,” Gambrel said. “I don’t think anyone voted for that.” He explained that the cuts would be disastrous, leading to teacher layoffs, crowded classrooms, and less support for students who need extra help.
CNN found that 15 states relying most on federal school funding in 2022 voted for Trump, while most states needing the least federal support backed Kamala Harris.
“This shows Republican policies hurting their own supporters and impacting their children,” said Will Ragland from the Center for American Progress.
Trump has not shared many details, but he has spoken about closing the Department of Education. Republicans also suggested large cuts to Title I funding, which pays for teachers in low-income areas, and other key programs.
“A lot of these ideas harm the most vulnerable students,” said Weadé James from the Center for American Progress. “It’s a troubling pattern.”
The Republican plan, called Project 2025, pushes for more school choice and turning federal education funds into block grants for states. Experts say this could hurt low-income communities and students with disabilities.
“If public money is used for private schools, those schools essentially become public,” Gambrel said. “I don’t think taxpayer money should go to private schools.”
