Since taking office, President Trump has signed numerous executive orders that have caused chaos, confusion, and uncertainty for students, families, and our members. The IFT is committed to protecting our democracy and preserving public education and services in our communities.
We are monitoring developments that affect our members and will continue to share regular updates, what your unions and legislators are doing in response, and how you can join the fight to protect our students, schools, and professions.
TOP THREE ITEMS ON OUR RADAR
President Trump wants to change public education as we know it. (Executive Order threatened but not yet signed)
News outlets indicate that President Trump is preparing to sign an executive order aimed at dismantling key aspects of public education. While the full details have yet to be released, and this move shouldn't be possible without the approval of Congress, reports suggest the order could target the U.S. Department of Education, cut federal funding for public schools, impact higher education, and expand privatization efforts through vouchers and charter school programs. Critics warn that such actions would undermine public education, disproportionately harming marginalized students and communities. As we await the official order, we remain vigilant in monitoring these developments and committed to fighting for the future of our schools, educators, and students.
Governor Pritzker stands up for Illinoisans.
Governor Pritzker has been defending Illinoisans from Trump’s harmful policies since inauguration day. He has forbidden any January 6th Insurrectionists from working in state government, stated he will stand up against deportation efforts that cross the line, and has explained how Trump’s tariffs will hurt our working families and Illinois businesses despite materializing in little for the country.
Unions protect federal workers from the Trump administration’s
illegal actions.
The actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) are clearly illegal, and unions (including AFT) are standing up to fight their overreach. USAID unions are suing after Trump administration efforts have “generated a global humanitarian crisis,” “cost thousands of American jobs,” and “imperiled U.S. national security interests.” The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is also suing the Trump administration’s resignation offer, as it’s an empty promise without an act of Congress. The AFL-CIO adds another lawsuit over fears that DOGE is unlawfully gaining access to the Labor Department. And AFSCME along with AFGE are suing to challenge the politicization of civil service through illegal executive orders.
PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK
Stay tuned as we continue to track issues that affect our membership and share ways to take action. You can also sign up for updates from the AFL-CIO’s Department of People Who Work for a Living, which reports on DOGE cuts and how you can fight back. And if you need a laugh…
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