Trump Calls Department of Education a ‘Con Job,’ Pushes for Immediate Closure

President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), calling it a “con job” and advocating for its immediate closure.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump pointed to a recent report that ranked the United States 40th in global education performance while noting that the country spends more per student than any other nation.

“Oh, I’d like it to be closed immediately. Look at the Department of Education. It’s a big con job,” Trump told reporters.

“They ranked the top countries in the world. We’re ranked No. 40, but we’re ranked No. 1 in one department: cost per pupil. So, we spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, but we’re ranked No. 40.”

Trump compared the current ranking to previous data he had reviewed, stating that the U.S. had fallen from 38th place to 40th within a short period. He also noted that China, the country’s primary economic competitor, had placed in the top five.

“As big as it is, it’s ranked in the top five, and that’s our … primary competitor,” he said. “So, if we’re ranked No. 40, that means something’s really wrong.”

The Trump administration has already taken action to reduce government spending, placing the DOE under scrutiny as part of a broader effort to eliminate wasteful expenditures. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, was tasked with identifying unnecessary spending across federal agencies.

This week, DOGE announced that $881 million in DOE contracts had been cut, marking a significant step in Trump’s goal of downsizing the department.

Among the $881 million in eliminated contracts, DOGE identified $101 million that had been allocated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. These programs included initiatives designed to educate teachers on addressing systemic oppression and recognizing privilege.

Critics, including Trump, have argued that such programs contribute to ideological bias in schools rather than improving academic performance.

“Your tax dollars were spent on this,” Musk wrote in a statement condemning DOE spending.

The administration’s crackdown on federal education funding aligns with Trump’s broader policy agenda. Last month, he signed two executive orders targeting education policy.

One order revoked federal funding from K-12 schools that include critical race theory (CRT) in their curricula, while the second expanded support for school choice initiatives.

CRT and other controversial topics in education have been the subject of national debate, with parents voicing their concerns at school board meetings across the country. Trump has repeatedly emphasized his opposition to CRT, transgender ideology, and other content he deems inappropriate for school-aged children.

During his presidential campaign, he vowed to defund schools that promote what he described as divisive political narratives.

“We will not allow our schools to become indoctrination centers,” Trump said at a campaign rally. “Federal funding should support education, not political propaganda.”

The administration’s push to reform education policy comes as national test scores continue to decline. According to the Nation’s Report Card, student performance in key subjects such as math and reading has dropped in recent years.

Trump and his allies argue that the current education system prioritizes ideological programming over fundamental learning, contributing to the country’s decline in global rankings.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Trump officials are actively considering plans to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. While such a move would require congressional approval, the administration appears determined to shift more control over education to state and local governments.

Supporters of the move argue that decentralizing education would empower parents and communities while reducing federal overreach. However, critics warn that eliminating the DOE could lead to disparities in educational quality and funding, particularly in low-income areas.

As Trump continues to push his education agenda, his administration remains focused on reducing federal involvement in schools. His executive orders and budget cuts signal a significant shift in policy, one that could reshape the American education system for years to come.

Whether the Department of Education will ultimately be dissolved remains uncertain, but Trump’s latest actions make clear that he sees the agency as a prime target for government reform.