President-elect Donald Trump has rolled out a sweeping agenda aimed at dismantling what he sees as the harmful influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in American education. Labeling these initiatives as anti-American and discriminatory, Trump promised restitution for individuals he claims have been negatively affected by DEI policies while laying out plans to strip schools and colleges of such programs altogether. According to Trump, DEI’s focus on identity politics over merit has crippled the education system and undermined its foundational principles.
In a recent statement, Trump didn’t mince words when criticizing the state of education in the United States, calling it an embarrassing combination of sky-high spending and dismal results. He proposed a dramatic solution: using budget reconciliation to penalize institutions participating in DEI practices, with fines potentially reaching the entirety of their endowments. These funds, Trump promised, would partially go toward compensating those he describes as victims of discriminatory DEI policies. While specifics on the alleged victims were sparse, Trump made it clear that he views DEI as a politically motivated tool that harms meritocracy and damages the nation’s cultural fabric.
The former president’s plan also includes pursuing federal civil rights cases against schools that continue promoting equity initiatives. Trump accused these institutions of hiding unlawful discrimination under the banner of inclusion and vowed to tax schools that refuse to abandon DEI programs. He framed these measures as essential to restoring fairness and excellence in education while combating what he sees as the corrosive effects of progressive ideology. His administration, Trump assured, would prioritize merit and reject programs that cater to quotas over qualifications.
One case that reflects Trump’s criticism of DEI practices is a lawsuit filed by America First Legal on behalf of Brian Beneker, a white male writer who alleges he was passed over for less-qualified individuals selected under DEI hiring criteria. The suit accuses CBS and Paramount Global of prioritizing race, gender, and sexual orientation over competence in their hiring decisions. Trump has used this case to highlight what he claims are widespread abuses tied to DEI policies, further energizing his supporters who view such programs as discriminatory.
Trump also announced a bold promise to eliminate the federal Department of Education, a long-held conservative goal. By shifting control back to the states, he argued, local governments could tailor education systems to better serve their communities. He also proposed redirecting federal education dollars directly to students, bypassing what he described as the bloated and ideologically driven bureaucracy in Washington. Citing America’s disproportionate education spending compared to its lackluster performance, Trump labeled the current system a monumental failure.
Trump’s proposals tap into a growing conservative pushback against progressive cultural influences in education, emphasizing local control, meritocracy, and parental rights. While his critics warn of the potential consequences of gutting federal oversight, Trump’s supporters see his approach as a necessary course correction. His plans have reignited debates over equity, fairness, and the future of education, setting the stage for a contentious national conversation.
