Reed visits Job Corps Exeter campus amid Trump efforts to close it

EXETER, R.I. (WLNE) — As the Department of Labor pauses operations for Job Corps training programs around the country, he impact was felt in Exeter.

Sen. Jack Reed visited the Job Corps campus Friday in an attempt to save the center.

The educational institution provides no-cost training to prepare students and job seekers entering the workforce.

With operations paused, Sen. Reed said the federal government won’t let him step foot on the campus, so he joined with students and workers at the entrance.

“I wish President Trump and Labor Secretary [Lori] Chavez-DeRemer would spend time learning about the importance of the Job Corps program instead of trying to illegally eliminate these opportunities for young Americans,” he said. “I beat back President Trump’s attempt to shutter this essential program during his first term. I’m planning to do it again

A federal court ruling temporarily stopped the Trump administration from eliminating the program, with a hearing set for later in June

Department of Labor officials said the decision to pause operations followed an internal review of the program and aligned with President Trump’s 2026 budget proposal.