President-elect Donald Trump has discussed closing the Department of Education multiple times. Vice President-elect JD Vance has labeled universities as the “enemy” and “hostile institutions”. Linda McMahon, Trump’s choice for education secretary, lacks experience in education, causing concern among advocates who fear an impending war on universities. While shutting down the Department of Education would require congressional approval, Trump has threatened to withdraw accreditation and funding from schools promoting certain ideologies. Conservative groups are planning to overhaul the higher education system, aiming to restrict universities’ autonomy. Trump is expected to target diversity and inclusion initiatives, which conservatives criticize as “wokeism”. States like California are preparing to defend against potential attacks on institutional autonomy, while Republican-led states have already implemented policies targeting higher education. The Trump administration is anticipated to continue efforts to reshape higher education, limiting discussions on racism and sexism. Advocates urge universities to uphold academic freedom and resist government interference in teaching and curriculum decisions.
