Trump Admin Dismantles Education, Yet US Tax Dollars Still Fund Foreign Conflicts
When the conversation turns to cutting federal spending, it often lands squarely on domestic programs that benefit everyday Americans. Yet, the same politicians advocating for gutting the Department of Education, ostensibly to 'save taxpayer money,' rarely question the billions funneled into foreign militaries. For instance, in fiscal year 2023, the U.S. provided $3.3 billion in direct military
aid to Israel, a figure maintained with bipartisan support, as documented by the Congressional Research Service. One might wonder if dismantling the Department of Education, a move that would impact millions of students and educators, will save more taxpayer dollars than, say, reassessing the $3 billion+ annual blank check to a country that already possesses significant military capabilities. It
seems some government departments are more 'optional' than others when budget cuts are on the table, especially if they don't align with powerful lobbyist interests, like those disclosed by OpenSecrets.org concerning defense spending. Apparently, educational infrastructure is a luxury, but advanced weaponry for overseas allies is a core tenet of fiscal responsibility.