“But His Supporters Hate Education!”: Trump’s Bid to Establish Tuition-Free University Sparks Debate Over Unorthodox Educational Agenda

Michelle HollandNov 5, 2023

Minute Read

Former president Donald Trump has declared his plans to open his own free university, the American Academy, which he says will consist of online courses and be funded by the “billions and billions of dollars” collected after “taxing, fining and suing excessively large university endowments.”

Trump’s Vision

Trump said, “This institution will gather an entire universe of the highest quality educational content covering the full spectrum of human knowledge and skills and make that material available to every American citizen online for free.”

A Broad Range of Subjects

“Whether you want lectures, or ancient histories or an introduction to financial accounting or training in a skill trade. The goal will be to deliver it and get it done properly.”

Trump’s Attack on US Universities

Trump proceeded to criticize US universities for their handling of campus protests amid the situation in Israel and Palestine. “In recent weeks, Americans have been horrified to see students and faculty at Harvard and other once-respected universities expressing support for the savages and jihadists who attacked Israel,” he insisted.

Campus Protests

“We spend more money on higher education than any other country — and yet, they’re turning our students into Communists and terrorist sympathizers of many, many different dimensions,” Trump complained, despite most protests being well-meaning efforts that focus on the human rights of Palestinian people.

The Israel-Gaza Conflict

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Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 Israelis; since then, Israel has retaliated massively, killing over 9,000 Palestinians in Gaza so far. Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups have issued a joint statement signed by several other student groups criticizing Israel and its crimes against Palestinians.

The Harvard Letter

In the letter, signees announced that they “hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.” This is largely due to Israel’s siege on Gaza, illegal settlements in the West Bank, and continuing efforts to evict and displace Palestinians.

“No Wokeness or Jihadism Allowed”

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Trump has promised his academy will be a “top tier education option” that is “strictly non political.” He vowed “No wokeness or jihadism allowed. None of that’s gonna be allowed.”

Trump Calls Other Unis ‘Costly’

“Most importantly,” Trump revealed, “the American Academy will compete directly with the existing and very costly four-year system by granting students degree credentials that the U.S. government and all federal contractors will henceforth recognize.”

Harvard Speaks Out

Harvard president Claudine Gay responded to the letter controversy, stating “Let there be no doubt that I condemn such terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Such inhumanity is abhorrent, whatever one’s individual views of the origins of the longstanding conflicts in the region.”

Freedom of Speech

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She continued, “While our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group — not even 30 student groups — speaks for Harvard University or its leadership.”

Trump’s First University

People were quick to take to the internet and remind others of Trump’s previous educational institutions. “Just a reminder, Trump University was found guilty of fraud,” one person observed. “Trump University part 2,” another dubbed it.

Confusion Over Trump’s Target Audience

“But his supporters hate education,” read one comment. “He loves the poorly educated,” another said, with someone replying “and he intends to see that there are more of them.”

The Internet Has Doubts

Most forum commenters were questioning the viability of Trump’s idea. “Yeah, I’m sure employers will be tripping over themselves to hire fascist Trump U grads,” one person remarked. Another commenter pointed out, “It says in the article that this will allow them to apply for federal government jobs. Always remember that this is a slow-moving coup.”

The ‘Non-Political’ Claim

“Make no mistake, he would find a way to deeply politicize any such university,” one person asserted. “He literally already did in the introduction when he said “No wokeness will be allowed,” another concurred.

Many Were Concerned

“The people who want to abolish the Department of Education now want to run a government-controlled “university.” One where free speech and dissenting opinions are not allowed. Anyone else see a problem with that?” voiced one concerned commenter.

Parallels With the Wall

Some drew comparisons between the proposed Harvard-funded American Academy and the US-Mexico border wall. “Just like that time Mexico paid for the wall he “built,”” someone wrote.

“Sounds Like Socialism”

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Trump has spent much of his time slamming other members of his Party, referring to them as RINOs (Republican In Name Only.) Some forum users noted that Trump’s plan actually “sounds like socialism, the MAGA right’s favorite boogie man.”

Republican In Name Only

“Ahh yes, the true Republican vision,” another joked. “A mega university created and controlled by the federal government — and it’s FREE! And he calls everyone else RINOs. Amazing.”

A Money-Making Venture

People generally thought that this was simply another way for Trump to try and make money off of people. “The grift never ends,” one commenter said. “Grifter wants to grift, news at 11,” someone else wrote.