Trump Will Bring The School Culture Wars To Every State

Trump is preparing for a significant overhaul of the education system with proposals that go beyond simply shutting down the Department of Education. In a video last year, he outlined an ambitious plan to remove politics from classrooms, reinstate prayer, and counter what he described as the “indoctrination” of students, aiming to foster national pride rather than division.

This vision aligns closely with a broader conservative push seen in many red states, which seeks to reshape public education to reflect more traditional values. According to Jon Valant, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, this effort isn't merely about reducing government but represents a deeper assault on the very idea of public education, which could undermine nationwide support for these schools.

If successful, Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education could have widespread effects, as the department primarily funds programs for low-income schools and students with disabilities, while protecting students from discrimination. Some analysts warn this could undermine equitable access to education.

One anticipated move is reversing Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students. The Biden administration had expanded Title IX to include LGBTQ+ protections, but the Trump administration might pull these back—a move GOP-led states have already supported through lawsuits.

The Office for Civil Rights, which enables students and families to report civil rights violations, could also be stripped down, with civil rights cases pushed through the courts rather than mediated within the Department.

Parental rights, another priority for Republicans, has driven new state laws in Iowa and Tennessee that restrict access to certain books and limit teachers’ discussions of LGBTQ+ topics. These laws sometimes also require parents to be informed if a child wants to use a different name or pronouns, regardless of the student’s preferences.

Beyond targeting the Department of Education, Trump’s team may focus on expanding voucher programs, which redirect public funds to private or religious schools. While abolishing the department may face bipartisan resistance due to Title I funding’s impact on low-income schools, expanding voucher programs could be an achievable workaround.

Valant also warns that while school vouchers provide choices, they can destabilize state resources and public schools, as shown by financial strains in states like Arizona and North Carolina after expanding their programs.

Trump’s campaign against the Department of Education may not succeed in eliminating it entirely, but his continued pressure signals an intent to steadily weaken support for public schools, chipping away at them to rally his base. According to Valant, “This isn’t just symbolic but has real, lasting consequences for public education.”