This week marked a series of significant events that sent shockwaves through the nation, as the Supreme Court delivered controversial rulings with far-reaching consequences. The repercussions were felt in crucial areas such as college admissions, student debt relief, and LGBTQ+ rights. Amidst the turmoil, the infamous twice-indicted former president, Donald Trump, capitalized on these developments to tout his influence and rally his fervent supporters at a summit for Moms for Liberty, a right-wing, anti-government group.
In a rousing speech delivered in Philadelphia, Trump wasted no time in highlighting his role in shaping the Supreme Court. He reveled in the fact that he had the privilege of appointing three justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—and exclaimed that this opportunity was akin to finding gold. As he basked in the adoration of the crowd, Trump even dared to envision the possibility of appointing three or even four more justices, suggesting a radical expansion of the bench to secure his influence well into the future.
“Many presidents never get the opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court justice. I had three. They are gold,” he boasted to the crowd gathered in Philadelphia that night, referring to Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. “Maybe we’ll get three or four more. Can you imagine?.. Let’s have seven or eight or maybe even nine.”
While Trump’s legal battles loomed over him, he was undeterred in his efforts to propagate dangerous policies that targeted vulnerable youth and marginalized communities. His proposed educational reforms included a call for increased incarceration of students, advocating for a complete overhaul of federal standards of school discipline and juvenile justice. Alarming echoes of the troubled teen industry were present in his vision, as he suggested removing violent individuals from classrooms and placing them in reform schools or correctional institutions. These institutions, however, have faced intense criticism for reports of psychological and physical abuse against young individuals, casting doubts on the effectiveness and ethics of such a proposal.
Equally concerning was Trump’s vow to eliminate funding for schools that addressed topics such as race and gender. He pledged to sign an executive order on his first day to cut federal funding for any school that promoted what he labeled as “critical race theory” and “transgender insanity.” This move threatened to stifle important conversations on race and gender and impede progress toward fostering inclusivity and understanding among students. Additionally, Trump aimed to ban federal agencies from promoting gender-affirming care for individuals of all ages, further marginalizing transgender communities and disregarding their basic rights.
