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What A Day

The Miseducation Of Donald Trump feat. Former Sec. Arne Duncan

Mar 21, 2025
Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education under President Obama, dives into the alarming impact of Trump's executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. He emphasizes the potential devastation to public education and the threats to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Duncan warns about the risks to student aid and funding for marginalized communities. The discussion also touches on the political climate, where Republican decisions are jeopardizing education and democracy, calling for accountability and change amidst current challenges.
24:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • President Trump's executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, despite Congressional requirements, reflects a political strategy rather than genuine reform efforts.
  • Former Secretary Arne Duncan warns that the closure of the Department of Education could devastate federal student aid, threatening access for marginalized communities.

Deep dives

The Dismantling of the Department of Education

An executive order has been signed by President Trump, marking a significant step towards dismantling the federal Department of Education. This action follows significant staff reductions and reflects a long-held Republican desire to eliminate the department, which they believe has failed its mission. Despite the executive order's significance, actual closure of the department requires Congressional approval, which remains unlikely. Critics argue that this move is a performative gesture meant to appeal to Trump's base, rather than a genuine effort for meaningful reform.

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