By Redacción
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Donald Trump’s education agenda centers on a singular objective: eliminating what he describes as “wokeness” and “left-wing indoctrination” in America’s schools.
As president-elect, Trump has promised to leverage federal funding to reshape the nation’s education system, targeting policies and programs he views as emblematic of progressive overreach.
Controversial Proposals
Trump’s education platform includes barring transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports, prohibiting classroom discussions on gender identity and systemic racism, and dismantling diversity and inclusion offices. On the campaign trail, he frequently described schools as battlegrounds in a cultural war, framing his victory as an opportunity to reclaim them from liberal influences.
One of his central promises is to cut funding for schools that fail to comply with his vision. “On my first day in office, I will cut every penny of funding to schools pushing critical race theory, transgender ideology, or any other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children,” Trump said repeatedly during his campaign.
Trump has also threatened to withhold funding from schools with COVID-19 vaccine or mask mandates, promising to enact these measures through executive action. However, some legal experts, including allies of the former president, have questioned whether he has the authority to implement such sweeping changes unilaterally.
Pushback From Critics
Critics argue that Trump’s portrayal of American education is fueled by political rhetoric rather than evidence. Wil Del Pilar, senior vice president of The Education Trust, dismissed Trump’s claims of liberal indoctrination as unfounded. “There’s no evidence that students are being taught to question their sexuality in schools, nor that our education system is dominated by extremists,” Del Pilar said.
Opponents also warn that Trump’s proposals could undermine public education and disproportionately harm vulnerable students. “This is fear-based propaganda,” Del Pilar added.
Federal Leverage and Civil Rights Enforcement
To implement his agenda, Trump plans to use federal funding as leverage. Public K-12 schools receive approximately 14% of their funding from federal programs, primarily for low-income students and special education. While most funding comes from state and local sources, Trump’s administration could target specific schools or districts through civil rights enforcement.
Bob Eitel, president of the conservative Defense of Freedom Institute and a former Trump administration official, suggested that focusing on a few schools could compel others to follow suit. “The president has significant authority under civil rights laws,” Eitel said. He noted that this approach could be used to challenge diversity and inclusion offices or address allegations of antisemitism.
Higher Education and Diversity Programs
Trump’s platform extends to colleges and universities, where he plans to fine institutions for promoting diversity initiatives. He has proposed penalties of up to the full amount of a university’s endowment for what he views as discriminatory practices.
Additionally, Trump has pledged to establish a free online university called the American Academy, funded by taxes and fines on large private university endowments.
During his first term, Trump often threatened to withhold funding from schools and colleges, though many of those threats went unfulfilled. However, he succeeded in pressuring Congress to impose a tax on wealthy university endowments and made significant changes to campus sexual assault policies through his Department of Education.
Eliminating the Education Department
Perhaps the most ambitious element of Trump’s plan is his vow to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, a long-standing goal of conservative politicians. He argues that the department has been infiltrated by “radicals” and believes education policy should be returned to the states.
While Trump has championed local control of schools, some of his proposals contradict that principle. For example, his nationwide ban on transgender women in women’s sports and restrictions on classroom content would impose federal mandates on states and districts.
“Trump ran on removing boys from girls’ sports,” said Max Eden, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “He didn’t run on letting states decide whether to allow it.”
Patriotic Education
Trump’s vision for education also includes a renewed emphasis on what he calls “patriotic” learning. He plans to reinstate the 1776 Commission, which he created in 2021 to promote a conservative interpretation of American history. The commission’s original report criticized progressivism as a threat to American principles.
To further this goal, Trump has proposed creating a new credentialing body for teachers who align with “patriotic values.”
While many of Trump’s proposals resonate with his conservative base, most would require congressional approval or lengthy administrative processes. His promise to rescind President Joe Biden’s Title IX guidance protecting LGBTQ+ students, for example, would involve a complex rulemaking process.
Trump has also vowed to nullify Biden’s executive orders on racial equity and to overturn student loan forgiveness initiatives. While courts have already stalled many of Biden’s education policies, Trump’s administration is likely to move quickly to undo or rewrite them.
Education advocates are hopeful that Trump’s administration will adopt a more collaborative approach than his campaign rhetoric suggests. “Education has been an easy target during the campaign season,” said Peter McDonough, general counsel for the American Council on Education. “A partnership between higher education and the administration would benefit the country more than an adversarial relationship.”
As Trump prepares to take office, his education agenda remains polarizing. While supporters praise his commitment to conservative values, opponents fear his policies will deepen divisions and undermine the nation’s schools.
