President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled a bold plan to address what he calls the failures of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the American education system. Framing DEI as a destructive force, Trump pledged to compensate those harmed by these policies while promising sweeping reforms aimed at eliminating what he describes as “anti-American insanity” from schools and colleges.
In a recent video statement, Trump criticized the U.S. education system for its high spending paired with dismal outcomes. He vowed to leverage budget reconciliation measures to fine institutions participating in DEI programs, with penalties reaching as high as their total endowments. Trump stated that part of these seized funds would be allocated as restitution for individuals he claims were wronged by these discriminatory practices. While light on details about the alleged victims, Trump made clear his disdain for programs that prioritize race, gender, or sexual orientation over merit, calling them both illegal and damaging to the nation.
Trump didn’t stop there. He proposed using federal civil rights cases to hold schools accountable for what he termed “explicit unlawful discrimination under the guise of equity.” His administration, he promised, would also impose taxes on institutions that persist in promoting DEI initiatives, signaling an aggressive push to dismantle these programs. Echoing familiar themes from his campaign, Trump portrayed these measures as a necessary step to restore fairness and ensure that education once again prioritizes merit and excellence.
In a case emblematic of Trump’s concerns, America First Legal (AFL) filed a lawsuit against Paramount Global and CBS on behalf of Brian Beneker, a white male writer who alleges he was passed over for less-qualified individuals meeting DEI criteria. The lawsuit accuses CBS of engaging in discriminatory hiring practices by favoring candidates based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation rather than their qualifications. Trump’s rhetoric suggests this case is one of many examples where DEI policies have allegedly disenfranchised hardworking Americans in favor of fulfilling progressive quotas.
Further amplifying his critique, Trump called for dismantling the federal Department of Education entirely, a proposal long favored by conservative circles. He pledged to return control of education to the states, asserting that local governments are better equipped to manage schools effectively. By redirecting federal education funds directly to students, Trump argued, resources could bypass what he described as a “bloated and radical bureaucracy” in Washington, D.C. Highlighting America’s high spending per pupil with comparatively poor performance outcomes, Trump declared the current federal system a wasteful failure unworthy of taxpayer support.
Trump’s latest promises reflect a broader conservative effort to reframe the conversation on education, emphasizing local control, meritocracy, and resistance to progressive cultural agendas. Whether his proposals succeed in reshaping the education system remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly reignited a contentious debate over the role of equity, federal oversight, and accountability in America’s schools.
