Podcast Summary: "Will U.S. Public Schools Survive Trump?"

What A Day by Crooked Media, hosted by Jane Coaston, delves deep into the current state of the U.S. education system amidst significant political shifts. Released on February 18, 2025, this episode examines the Trump administration's efforts to weaken the Department of Education and the potential ramifications for American public schools, particularly for vulnerable student populations.

1. Trump's Ambitions to Dismantle the Department of Education

The episode opens with Jane Coaston highlighting President Donald Trump's longstanding objective to dismantle the Department of Education, established in 1980. With influential allies like Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump is actively working toward this goal. Jane references a February 4th statement where Trump expressed his desire to see Linda McMahon, the soon-to-be-confirmed Secretary of Education, "put herself out of a job" (00:02).

Notable Quote:

Randy Weingarten [01:04]: "I told Linda, Linda, I hope you do a great job and put yourself out of a job. I want her to put herself out of a job."

Jane explains that while Trump cannot unilaterally eliminate the Department of Education without Congressional approval, recent actions have significantly weakened its influence. For instance, a ProPublica report revealed that the administration canceled nearly a billion dollars in contracts related to school safety and performance research (01:12).

2. Implications for Special Education and Student Support

Jane delves into how the potential dissolution of the Department of Education jeopardizes support for students with disabilities, rural schools, and those in low-income areas. The Department has historically provided essential funding and resources, such as Title I grants and Pell Grants, which are crucial for leveling the educational playing field.

To shed light on these issues, Jane converses with Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

Notable Quote:

Randy Weingarten 03:56: "Most of education in America is done by the states and by local school boards... The federal Department of Education doesn't run schools. What it does is it tries to level up opportunity."

Weingarten emphasizes that federal funding addresses gaps where states and localities fall short, especially for marginalized student groups. Without this support, schools like those in rural West Virginia may struggle to provide necessary services such as reading specialists and physical therapy.

3. Teachers' Union Resistance and Potential Consequences

The episode captures the growing frustration among teachers, regardless of their political affiliations. Weingarten notes widespread anger as educators find themselves pitted against policy changes that threaten their ability to meet students' needs.

Notable Quote:

Randy Weingarten 05:34: "They are pissed... This is not what they were supposed to do. They were supposed to reduce the price of eggs, not make our jobs harder."

Weingarten warns that decentralizing education funding could lead to reduced resources for special education, English language learners, and STEM programs. Republicans' push for voucher systems could divert funds to private institutions, effectively creating a "tax cut for wealthy families" while leaving public schools underserved.

4. Department of Education's New Policies on Race Considerations

A significant development discussed is the Department of Education's directive to halt the consideration of race in various aspects of academic and campus life. The letter issued threatens to cut federal funding for institutions that engage in practices like affirmative action in admissions, hiring, and financial aid (08:40).

Notable Quote:

Randy Weingarten 09:10: "What it essentially says is that the things that we have done to try to create opportunity for all, we shouldn't be doing anymore."

This policy reversal undermines decades of progress toward educational equity, potentially eliminating programs that support minority students, reading initiatives addressing poverty-related disparities, and efforts to diversify the teaching workforce.

5. Strategies for Opposition and Future Actions

In response to these threats, Weingarten outlines the teachers' union's multifaceted approach to counteract the administration's policies. This includes legal challenges, mobilizing public opinion, engaging with Congress, and educating communities about the Department of Education's vital role.

Notable Quote:

Randy Weingarten 10:31: "First is what we do best, which is to educate... teach INS meetings after school with parents, with teachers, with students to talk about how important this funding is."

The union plans local events nationwide to rally support and raise awareness about the consequences of dismantling federal educational support structures.

6. Broader Political and Social Ramifications

Beyond education, the episode touches upon broader governmental shifts under Trump's administration, including potential attacks on the IRS and the Social Security Administration. Protests against DOGE and Elon Musk's influence on federal agencies underscore the widespread opposition to these changes.

Additionally, the establishment of the "Make America Healthy Again Commission" signals an intensified scrutiny of antidepressants and weight loss drugs prescribed to children. RFK Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, has made controversial statements equating antidepressants with addictive substances like heroin, further polarizing public opinion.

7. International Relations and US-Mexico Tensions

The podcast also explores international dynamics, notably the strained relations between the U.S. and Mexico over the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has threatened legal action against Google for adhering to Trump's directive, highlighting sovereignty issues and exacerbating bilateral tensions.

Notable Quote:

Claudia Sheinbaum 12:00: "Google has no right to rename Mexico's continental shelf. Google no."

8. Demographic Concerns: Declining Birth Rates and Pronatalism

Concluding the episode, Jane addresses the declining birth rates in the U.S. and developed nations, discussing its long-term socioeconomic impacts. She critiques the pronatalist movement, pointing out its often misogynistic undertones and unrealistic solutions. The conversation underscores the complexity of addressing demographic challenges without infringing on personal freedoms and promoting gender equality.

Conclusion

The episode "Will U.S. Public Schools Survive Trump?" offers a comprehensive analysis of the Trump administration's strategies to undermine the Department of Education and the potential fallout for American public schools. Through insightful discussions with experts like Randy Weingarten, the podcast underscores the importance of federal support in maintaining educational equity and the urgent need for collective action to preserve vital resources for students across the nation.

For more in-depth reporting and analysis on current events, subscribe to What A Day on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.

Timestamp Key:

• [00:02] - Introduction and overview of discussion topics
• [01:04] - Trump's statement on Department of Education
• [01:12] - ProPublica report on canceled contracts
• [03:56] - Explanation of the Department of Education's role
• [05:34] - Teachers' reaction to administration's policies
• [08:40] - Department of Education's directive on race considerations
• [09:10] - Weingarten on implications of policy changes
• [10:31] - Strategies to oppose department cuts
• [12:00] - US-Mexico tensions over Gulf naming
• [21:34] - Discussion on pronatalism and societal impacts