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'Great, even more government involvement': Trump's ambitious plan for free university garners mixed reactions on Internet

The former president said that 'The American Academy' would provide a vast array of educational content to all Americans free of cost

MIAMI, FLORIDA: In a notable revelation that has sparked significant discussion on social media, former President Donald Trump has declared his plans to create an online educational institution named the "American Academy."

Donald Trump's ambitious vision

Trump declared that this institution would provide a vast array of educational content, encompassing a broad spectrum of human knowledge and skills, available to every American citizen free of charge.

He elaborated that this venture would be financed through the "billions and billions of dollars" to be acquired by imposing taxes, penalties, and legal actions against exceptionally large university endowments.

"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," Trump stated.

He added, "Whether you want lectures, ancient histories, an introduction to financial accounting, or training in a skilled trade, the goal will be to deliver it and get it done properly."

Trump did not shy away from criticizing certain universities in the United States, especially in the context of recent protests during the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group, Hamas.

"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 remarked

He went on to state, "...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."

Discussions in light of the ongoing conflict in Israel

Since the outbreak of hostilities initiated by Hamas in Israel on October 7, over 9,000 casualties have been reported on both sides, according to the Associated Press.

Shortly after the conflict began, multiple student organizations at Harvard, including the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups, issued a collective statement in which they voiced criticism of Israel and attributed responsibility for the continuing violence to the Israeli government.

The statement, signed by various student organizations, included the assertion, "We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all the unfolding violence."

Trump underscored that the American Academy would be a high-quality educational choice and assured that it would maintain a strictly non-political stance.

He declared, "No wokeness or jihadism allowed. None of that's gonna be allowed."

Trump went on to say, "Most importantly, the American Academy will compete directly with the existing and very costly four-year university system by granting students degree credentials that the US government and all federal contractors will henceforth recognize."

In response to the statement issued by the Harvard student groups, school President Claudine Gay condemned the terrorist acts committed by Hamas, expressing strong disapproval of such inhuman actions.

"As the events of recent days continue to reverberate, let there be no doubt that I condemn the terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Hamas," she stated.

Gay further said, "Such inhumanity is abhorrent, whatever one's individual views of the origins of longstanding conflicts in the region."

Let me also state, on this matter as on others, that 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," she added.

Social media reactions to Trump's vision for free university 

Reactions to Trump's proposal for a tuition-free university were varied. Numerous individuals on social media voiced their support for the concept, praising Trump's endeavor and proposing that it might redirect federal funding from wealthy universities to this new initiative.

"President Trump is the boss!" one user posted on X.

"I'm in. Lets goooooo... Coursework groundwork ... let's get it right. Make AMERICA GREAT," another added.

One user stated, "This is an excellent idea, especially if he redirects federal funding now going to the Ivy leagues and other well-endowed universities, in the billions every year funded by taxpayers and donors…"

The user added, "In essence, it shouldn’t cost more as we are simply reallocating funds and since there’s no brick and mortar.. costs are way down I think it’s a great idea. Great for our kids, and for all the reasons mentioned…"

Nevertheless, not everyone was in favor of the idea, as some voiced concerns about heightened government intervention and a preference for minimal government involvement in the education system.

"Trump is right about the need to repair our education system, but a federal university would likely make things worse. Eliminating all government intervention, influence, and funding of education might be a better solution," a user commented.

Another user wondered, "The idea of the University is great however is this in tune with small government conservative values? I thought we wanted to abolish the Department of Education. Just questioning."

One user said, "Great, even more government involvement in the already government-controlled college system. Trump doesn’t understand the correct free market solution."