KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

Ursula Reutin: Trump administration’s approach to dismantling Education Department is ‘harmful’

Mar 26, 2025, 5:00 AM

Education Department (1)...

A high school classroom. (Photo via Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

(Photo via Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is one of 21 state attorneys filing a preliminary injunction as part of a lawsuit to stop President Donald Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education.

The coalition originally filed the lawsuit on March 13, but after Trump made an announcement on March 21 — that the department must “immediately” transfer student loan management and special education services outside of the department — the coalition is now seeking a court order to immediately stop the mass layoffs and transfer of services.

Co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Ursula Reutin, believes the Trump administration shouldn’t get rid of the entire education department. She added that the decision could have been made more considerately.

“I think that some of this would go down a whole lot better with more people, on the party that is not in office, if it was both messaged and done in a way that sounded much more judicious and sounded much more like, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this in a thoughtful manner. This is the reason. This is why we’re doing this. We’re not just sending people in and just doing a massive layoff because this is something that we promised. It’s in Project 2025, etc,'” she said.

Can state agencies take over for Education Department?

Ursula referenced a story from KIRO 7 that reports a family is suing the Bellingham School District after it allegedly failed to protect their daughter from repeated sexual harassment and did not follow state laws when the incidents were reported.

To which she asked fill-in co-host Greg Tomlin, “A federal Title IX coordinator is investigating the district. You’re saying that you think that same thing could be done through the Justice Department?”

He responded that the situation could be handled under existing governmental departments, calling the Department of Education “a massive bureaucracy.”

“I’m not saying that there couldn’t be improvement,” Ursula replied. “I think just the way they’re going about it is not palatable. I think it’s harmful.”

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9am to 12am on KIRO Newsradio. 

Gee and Ursula Show

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

costco (3)...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘I got really, really mad’: Jake celebrates as Costco brings back fan-favorite food court item

Costco has officially confirmed it is bringing back churros to its food court, and KIRO host Jake Skorheim said it's about time.

9 hours ago

Drew Lock...

Gee Scott

Gee: Wait, what?! Drew Lock gets a chance to rewrite his story

Wait, what?! Drew Lock will start at quarterback for the Seahawks on Sunday in Arizona with Sam Darnold out.

10 hours ago

Ocean Shores shark...

John Curley Show

‘The head’s missing, we’ll have no idea’: Curley has questions after decapitated shark washes up near Ocean Shores

A thresher shark washed ashore near Ocean Shores last week.

11 hours ago

Katie Wilson gun violence plan seattle...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘You’re probably going to get Care Bears showing up’: Jake rips Seattle mayor’s gun violence plan

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson released a gun violence plan that would move $5 million to the city's CARE Department. Jake thinks it landed with a thud.

18 hours ago

tacoma (1)...

John Curley Show

‘The facts don’t matter when you get the mob all worked up’: Curley defends Tacoma restaurant owners caught in boycott

Two Tacoma brothers who donated $1,250 to oppose Washington's income tax are watching their businesses get torched by a boycott built on what John Curley called a false premise.

1 day ago

seattle seahawks macdonald...

Gee Scott

Gee: Wait, what?! Mike Macdonald just showed us what leadership really looks like

I already respected Mike Macdonald. Today, I respect him even more. Think about the timing of what this man just chose to share.

2 days ago

Ursula Reutin: Trump administration’s approach to dismantling Education Department is ‘harmful’