**Trump's Education Agenda Aims to Eliminate "Wokeness" and Reshape U.S. Schools**

Donald Trump has presented a sweeping vision for American education, focused on expelling what he views as "wokeness" and left-leaning ideologies from classrooms. His proposed measures include banning lessons on gender identity and structural racism, eliminating diversity and inclusion offices, and preventing transgender athletes from participating in girls' sports.

Trump's aggressive education strategy involves using federal funding as leverage to impose his policies nationwide. He has promised to cut financial support for schools that continue teaching critical race theory or enforce COVID-19 measures like mask and vaccine mandates. While such drastic changes would typically require new legislation or lengthy administrative processes, Trump intends to pursue many actions through executive orders.

Critics argue that Trump’s perspectives are politically charged distortions that could harm the public education system and disadvantage vulnerable student populations. Wil Del Pilar of the Education Trust denounced the claims as "fear-based, non-factual information" and emphasized a lack of evidence supporting Trump's accusations of indoctrination.

Trump's platform also includes giving states funding preferences if they end teacher tenure, establish universal school choice programs, and allow parents to elect school principals. One of his most radical proposals is to shut down the U.S. Education Department, a long-time objective for many conservatives. Trump contends that the department has been overtaken by "radicals."

Although America's K-12 public schools derive only about 14% of their funding from the federal government, mainly for low-income and special education programs, Trump's potential civil rights enforcement power could significantly impact schools and colleges. This could pressure institutions with diversity and inclusion offices or those accused of antisemitism to conform to his policies.

Additionally, Trump suggests fining universities for maintaining diversity programs and advocates for a new online university funded by taxing large private university endowments. During his first term, Trump threatened to cut funds to schools resisting his policies, with mixed success. He did, however, manage to impose a tax on affluent university endowments and significantly alter campus sexual assault guidelines.

There is hope among universities for a less hostile relationship with the administration despite the combative rhetoric. Peter McDonough from the American Council on Education highlighted the importance of partnership over conflict for the country's benefit.

In advocating for removing federal oversight of education and returning control to states, Trump paradoxically proposes uniform bans and policies that reflect his vision. Specific measures include rescinding Biden's Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students and reinstating the 1776 Commission to promote “patriotic” education.

Trump's bold plans target various aspects of the education system, from curriculum content to the operational framework of schools and colleges, and will require significant legal and legislative maneuvers to realize fully.