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Trump Critiques Education Department’s Effectiveness and Calls for Closure

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump criticized the Department of Education, labeling it a “con job” following reports that the United States ranks 40th globally in education while spending the highest amount per student. Trump’s remarks were made during a press conference from the Oval Office.

When asked about his position on the Department of Education, Trump expressed his desire for its immediate closure. “Oh, I’d like it to be closed immediately. Look at the Department of Education. It’s a big con job,” he remarked. He highlighted the paradox of high educational expenditure without corresponding high rankings, stating, “We spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, but we’re ranked number 40.”

Trump noted a recent decline in the U.S.’s educational standing, recalling that it was previously ranked 38th before falling to 40th in a recent assessment. He contrasted this with China’s performance, which he pointed out is ranked among the top five in the world. “As big as it is, it’s ranked in the top five, and that’s our…primary competitor,” Trump stated, indicating a sense of urgency regarding the issues within the U.S. education system.

DOGE Cuts Funding for the Education Department

In an effort to tackle wasteful spending, Trump has directed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is overseen by Elon Musk, to scrutinize government budgets. This week, the Department of Education faced significant budget cuts, with DOGE announcing a reduction of $881 million related to 89 contracts within the department.

Among these cuts, DOGE identified approximately $101 million that had been allocated for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programs. Musk criticized the use of taxpayer funds for these initiatives, which aimed to educate teachers on complex historical concepts of oppression and privilege.

Last month, Trump signed two executive orders targeting educational policies: one aimed at halting federal funding for K-12 schools that teach critical race theory (CRT), and another designed to promote school choice. The issue of CRT has sparked considerable debate, with numerous parents voicing their concerns during school board meetings nationwide.

As testing scores show alarming declines, according to the Nation’s Report Card, the Trump administration continues to pursue aggressive measures to reshape educational funding and content across the country. Reports have surfaced indicating possible plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education entirely, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

The developments in educational policy and federal funding under the Trump administration reflect a growing concern about the efficacy of current educational strategies and their alignment with national priorities for student achievement.

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