(DCNF)—President Donald Trump on Wednesday didn’t fall for NBC News White House reporter Kelly O’Donnell’s attempt to guilt trip him for firing nearly half of the federal employees at the Department of Education(ED.
ED eliminated 1,315 of its 4,133 employees on Tuesday as part of the Trump administration’s effort to cut wasteful and fraudulent spending conducted by the federal government. O’Donnell, during Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, suggested that Trump should take responsibility for stripping several “civil servants” of their jobs, prompting the president to remind her that they are keeping the best employees who conduct their jobs efficiently.
“Would you describe for us, is this meeting your vision by cutting about half the workforce and what responsibility do you feel for the civil servants who have now lost their jobs? Many of them worked at the Department of Education during your first term,” O’Donnell said.
“I do, I feel very badly, but many of them don’t work at all. Many of them never showed up to work, unfortunately, and that’s not good,” Trump said. “And when we cut, you know, we go and that’s what I had a number of meetings with a number of people over the past couple of months, when we cut, we want to cut, but we want to cut the people who aren’t working or not doing a good job. We’re keeping the best people and [Education Secretary] Linda McMahon is a real professional, a very sophisticated businessperson and she cut a large number, but she kept the best people and we’ll see how it all works out.”
The president stated that the education system in the U.S. is falling behind on a national scale and thus should be handled by the states.
“We have a dream, and you know what the dream is? We’re gonna move the Department of Education, we’re gonna move education into the states. So that the states, instead of the bureaucrats working in Washington, so that the states can run education,” Trump said. “And, you have Norway, you have Denmark, you have Sweden, you have various countries that do very well. You also have China which does very well in education, and that’s a very big tribute to China, I must say … So we can’t blame size, anymore. Normally you would blame size, [the U.S.] is too big, how can you [fix education].”
“But China does it, so we think when you move it back to Iowa and Indiana and all the states that run so well … those will be as good as Denmark, those will be as good as Norway, as good as any,” the president continued.
A senior ED official told the Daily Caller News foundation that the cut will allow the department to begin the process of allowing more education oversight at the state level.
Federal, state and local governments spend roughly $857.2 billion on K-12 public education annually, while the federal government spent a record $190 billion in aid to schools since the COVID-19 pandemic without seeing a major uptick in students’ academic performances. The Nation’s Report Card found in January that one-third of eighth graders failed to reach the the National Assessment of Educational Progress’s (NAEP) reading assessment benchmark in 2024, the largest percentage ever recorded, while 40% of fourth grade students tested below the NAEP’s reading proficiency.
Since the pandemic, students fell behind in math by over half-a-year and also struggled in reading and science, an analysis by The New York Times found in March. School closure rates and results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress found that students in remote learning settings were worse off on their test scores than those who were granted in-person learning.
Trump previously expressed plans to shut down ED entirely and return the issue of education back to the states, leading enraged Democrat members of Congress attempting to enter the Ed building on Feb. 7.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Discover the Freedom of True American Healthcare: Why America First is Revolutionizing Protection for Patriots
In a world where government overreach and skyrocketing premiums are squeezing the life out of hardworking Americans, one innovative agency is standing tall for liberty and affordability. Meet America First Healthcare—the private health insurance powerhouse dedicated to putting *you* first.
Founded by entrepreneur Jordan Sarmiento, this isn’t just insurance; it’s a shield for your family’s future, built on the unshakeable belief that private enterprise delivers better results than bureaucratic red tape.
Picture this: Jordan’s own story hits close to home for so many of us. A sudden medical emergency landed him with a staggering $95,000 bill. Under a traditional plan? He’d be buried in debt. But with America First’s patented health insurance, that nightmare shrank to just $500 out-of-pocket. That’s not a fluke—it’s the promise of coverage that works *for you*, from day one.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Conventional Coverage
Let’s face it: The status quo stinks. Marketplace.gov and big-insurance behemoths hit you with sky-high deductibles—thousands you’d have to pay before benefits even kick in—leaving massive holes in your protection. Need a routine mammogram, colonoscopy, or EKG? Good luck without forking over more cash. And don’t get us started on the gaps in dental, vision, or critical illness support when heart attacks, cancer, or kidney failure strike.
America First Healthcare flips the script. As a proud advocate for private solutions over government intervention, they craft custom plans that slash costs by 20% compared to traditional options. We’re talking comprehensive coverage that includes:
- Preventative and Wellness Care: Physical exams, screenings, and EKGs covered right away—no waiting games.
- Telemedicine Access: Virtual doctor visits anytime, anywhere, for that peace of mind.
- Accident and Critical Illness Protection: Real safeguards against life’s curveballs.
- Add-On Boosts: Dental, vision, disability, and supplemental plans to plug every leak.
Whether you’re an individual stepping off your parents’ plan, a growing family with kids in tow, or a small business owner tired of employee headaches, their tailored approach fits like a glove. Small businesses? Unlock group benefit rates usually reserved for corporate giants—without the red tape.
And for those in-between moments? Short-term insurance steps in as an ultra-affordable bridge, while life insurance ensures your loved ones are never left vulnerable.
Real Americans, Real Wins
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of freedom-loving families have already ditched the old system for America First. “Finally, insurance that aligns with our values and actually saves us money,” shares one client. Another raves, “Our small team got big-business perks without the hassle—it’s a game-changer.” These aren’t scripted lines; they’re the voices of patriots who’ve reclaimed control over their health destiny.
Your Move: Secure Your Shield Today
Why settle for less when you can demand better? America First Healthcare isn’t about profits—it’s about powering the American dream with reliable, value-driven protection. Plans are available year-round, no open-enrollment nonsense.
Ready to uncover the gaps in your current setup and lock in savings? Schedule your FREE healthcare review today at America First Healthcare. In under 15 minutes, their experts will map out options that fit your life, your budget, and your principles.
America First isn’t just healthcare—it’s a declaration of independence. Join the movement. Your family’s freedom starts now.