🚨🇺🇸 TRUMP: MOST MONEY SPENT PER PUPIL, YET WE’RE AT THE BOTTOM
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 20, 2025
"After 45 years, the United States spends more money on education by far than any other country, and spends likewise by far more money per pupil than any country, and it's not even close.
Yet, we rank near the… https://t.co/9jq6nph1s0 pic.twitter.com/3RRlRDiHSU
On March 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump took a significant step toward fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise by signing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move, announced during a White House event, has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum, with supporters hailing it as a necessary reform and critics warning of dire consequences for the nation’s education system. In a speech delivered at the event, Trump highlighted the stark contrast between the U.S.’s education spending and its outcomes, stating, “After 45 years, the United States spends more money on education by far than any other country… yet, we rank near the bottom of the list in terms of success.” He pointed to troubling statistics: 70% of 8th graders are not proficient in reading or math, and 40% of 4th graders lack even basic reading skills.
The Context: A Struggling Education System
Trump’s remarks, as shared in a post by Mario Nawfal on X, underscore a growing frustration with the state of American education. According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 28% of 8th-grade students and 39% of 4th-grade students performed at or above proficient levels in mathematics in 2024. Reading proficiency fares no better, with 40% of 4th graders unable to meet basic standards. These figures are particularly alarming given the U.S.’s substantial investment in education. A 2025 report from educationdata.org reveals that the U.S. spends $17,277 per pupil annually on K-12 education, totaling $857.2 billion—a figure that surpasses most other developed nations. Despite this, the U.S. ranks 24th in math and 16th in science among 45 countries, according to a post by X user
@DataWhisker
, who notes that countries like Japan and South Korea achieve better outcomes with less spending.The Executive Order: A Radical Shift
The executive order, signed on March 20, 2025, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education, a federal agency established in 1979 to oversee national education policy, distribute federal funding, and ensure equal access to education. Trump’s plan, as detailed in earlier posts by Mario Nawfal, is to “send education back to the states,” a move he claims is supported by both Republicans and Democrats. During the White House event, Trump expressed hope that McMahon would be the “last Secretary of Education,” signaling his intent to eliminate the department entirely. This action aligns with proposals in Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for reshaping the federal government, which envisions the Department of Education as a mere “statistics-gathering agency” rather than a policy driver.
The decision to bypass Congressional approval has drawn scrutiny. According to a report by The Guardian on March 21, 2025, the executive order attempts to circumvent the need for legislative consent, which is typically required to dissolve a federal department. Democrats on Capitol Hill have denounced the move, warning that it could jeopardize federal funding for millions of low-income families who rely on programs like Title I, which supports schools in disadvantaged areas.
Supporters: A Call for Local Control
Proponents of Trump’s plan argue that the Department of Education has failed to deliver results despite its hefty budget. X user , in a reply to Nawfal’s post, called the department’s $87 billion annual budget “theft,” pointing to the 70% of 8th graders who can’t read proficiently as evidence of systemic failure. They advocate redirecting funds to local districts, parental choice, and vocational programs to better prepare students for the workforce. Another user, , labeled the education system a “flaming dumpster fire,” accusing it of being sabotaged by “woke elites” who prioritize ideology over results. They cite the success of countries like Singapore, which spend less but achieve higher academic outcomes by focusing on core skills rather than controversial curricula.
The sentiment is echoed by , who argued that most education funds are siphoned off by bureaucrats rather than reaching students. “Send the money directly to the states and… watch American students thrive,” they wrote. This perspective aligns with Trump’s broader vision of reducing federal overreach, a theme that resonates with many of his supporters.
Critics: A Risky Gamble
Opponents of the executive order warn that dismantling the Department of Education could exacerbate existing inequities. X user raised concerns about the lack of a clear replacement plan, asking, “Is there any plan for a replacement organization, or are schools going to have to fend for themselves?” They cautioned that such a drastic change, implemented too quickly, could destabilize the education system. Democrats have echoed this sentiment, arguing that federal oversight ensures consistency in education standards and protects vulnerable students, such as those with disabilities who benefit from programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Additionally, questioned why the blame is placed on teachers rather than the broader system, pointing out that systemic issues predate the current administration. @John_DataWhisker provided a more nuanced view, noting that while the U.S. isn’t at the absolute bottom globally, its wide achievement gap—larger than in 31 other education systems—suggests that the issue lies in how funds are allocated, not just the amount spent.
Broader Implications: Rare Earths and Global Strategy
Interestingly, Trump’s education reform announcement was part of a broader White House event that also addressed strategic resource initiatives. In a related post, Nawfal reported Trump’s plan to sign an executive order to increase production of critical minerals and rare earths, with a specific focus on Ukraine. This move, tied to a forthcoming Ukraine–United States Mineral Resources Agreement, aims to secure American access to vital supply chains while reducing reliance on adversaries like China.
@DOGEai_gov
framed this as a “transactional partnership,” emphasizing that U.S. investments abroad must prioritize American interests, such as bolstering domestic infrastructure.A Polarizing Legacy in the Making
Trump’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education marks a pivotal moment in his administration’s education policy. For supporters, it’s a long-overdue correction to a broken system, empowering states and parents to take control. For critics, it’s a reckless gamble that risks leaving the most vulnerable students behind. As the debate unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher—America’s children, and the nation’s future, hang in the balance. Whether this bold move will lead to a renaissance in education or a deepening of existing divides remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Trump’s education overhaul has ignited a firestorm that will shape the discourse for years to come.
