President Trump said he would like the Department of Education to close immediately. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)
He even noted that China had ranked in the top five.
"As big as it is, it’s ranked in the top five, and that’s our … primary competitor," Trump said. "So, if we’re ranked No. 40, that means something’s really wrong."
The president has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the department led by Elon Musk, to find ways to slash wasteful spending, and the DOE made the chopping block this week.
TRUMP PUTS HIGHER EDUCATION ON NOTICE FOR ‘DANGEROUS, DEMEANING, AND IMMORAL’ DEI TEACHINGS
Critical race theory (CRT) has emerged as a polarizing topic in recent years. (Robert Gauthier)
The teaching of CRT and other controversial content in schools has sparked backlash from parents at school board meetings across the nation over the past several years. During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to cut federal funding for schools that promote CRT, transgender ideology and "any other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children."
Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders targeting federal funding for schools as test scores continue to drop, according to the Nation's Report Card.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Trump administration officials are also reportedly weighing a plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, according to a Wall Street Journal report published last week.
Fox News Digital’s Kristine Parks contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-blasts-department-education-con-job-says-he-wants-closed-immediately