Donald Trump's Misguided Approach to Education

During his tenure as President of the United States, Donald Trump’s policies on education were heavily scrutinized. His controversial decision to appoint one of the most incompetent individuals to head the Department of Education was just the beginning. Here’s a closer look at his administration's approach and the implications for public education.

Funding Priorities: Education versus Military

The 2018 budget document revealed that Trump proposed allocating a massive $64 billion more to the military, at the expense of the education system. This significant reallocation, cutting $14 billion from the education budget, was a stark statement of his priorities. By doing so, he essentially placed more uneducated individuals into the military, where their educational deficiencies might manifest in the form of "marching morons." His decision reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of the interdependence between a well-educated populace and a strong military.

The President Who Needs an Education

Given Trump’s reliance on Fox News for information, it is no surprise that his approach to education was deeply flawed. His vocabulary, known for its voluminous dimwits and unrefined statements, suggests a lack of critical thinking and awareness. In his own words, there was "nearly none of his utterings" worthy of attention due to a lack of substance, facts, or intelligence. It is illogical to consider him as an authority or advocate for education.

His claim of advocating for education is questionable, as evidenced by his own ignorance. If he had a grasp of educational value, it would be difficult to understand why he would allocate such limited resources to it. His actions and statements speak louder than words in this regard.

Policy Based on Convenience

Truly, Trump’s policy on education can be summarized as follows:

Funding military over education Picking whoever is physically close to him and willing to sign a check Opting for the person with the largest potential checkbook to support personal businesses Spinning any policy as the best and most reputable when it brings him media coverage

No genuine educational reform or long-term strategy was evident. His policies were disjointed and self-serving, focused on personal gains and short-term political advantages.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s tenure marked a period of limited and misdirected efforts in educational reform. His approach, characterized by inadequacies and self-interest, often harmed public education. Understanding these policies is crucial for evaluating the state of education in the United States during his presidency.