Donald Trump’s election win has many teachers and educators concerned about what his incoming administration might do to reshape — if not dismantle outright — the Department of Education.
Trump has previously vowed to “close” the DOE, which helps enforce anti-discrimination laws, among other things. Shutting the department down completely would require an act of Congress and would likely be difficult for Trump, but he could do plenty of other things to undermine it.
Meanwhile, a video Trump posted online last year that lays out his vision for the education system has gone viral recently, with particular attention on a specific vow that gives the impression Trump could offer a form of “reparations” — but for white people.
In the video, originally posted last July, Trump proposes “restitution” for people “hurt” by “equity” policies, by which he appears to mean diversity, equity and inclusion policies. In the video, Trump vows to crack down on schools that promote “equity,” saying he’ll potentially sic the Department of Justice on them, fine them the total amount of their endowments and give some of that “seized” money to people he suggests are “victims” of these policies.
The important context here is that, in an interview this year, Trump said that “there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country” that “can’t be allowed,” and that “I don’t think it would be a very tough thing to address.” This policy would certainly align with that sentiment. Republicans, after all, have framed things like DEI policies and affirmative action as discrimination against white Americans.








