Trump Plans to Create New 'Patriotic Education' Commission

By Dana Cruz First Posted: Sep 17, 2020 10:17 PM EDT

President Donald Trump has announced plans for a new commission to promote "patriotic education" in U.S. schools.

(Photo : REUTERS/Leah Millis)

The New York Post reported Trump's Thursday announcement of the "1776 Commission," which intends to promote "patriotic education."

Trump has accused the New York Times and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden of warping history.

He described America's history and heritage as "under assault" from the left, decrying anti-racism teachings and "cancel culture."

Trump said the Democrats and the Times' "1619 Project" did not give an accurate picture of U.S. history. For him, the project over-emphasized race and the legacy of slavery.

His "patriotic education" proposal was announced during a 17-minute speech at the National Archives Museum. It marked the 233rd anniversary of the Constitution's signing.

'Indoctrinating' Children

Trump delivered his speech in somber tones, said The Hill. He painted a "dramatic and dark portrait" of an effort by liberals to "indoctrinate" U.S. children through the 1619 Project.

He said American values, culture, and faith were being repressed in America's children. He blasted progressive efforts through a race-critical lens as "toxic propaganda," the Forbes said in a report.

He also accused schools of teaching children "hateful lies about this country," the NBC News reported. He said he would take steps to restore "patriotic education."

"Whether it is the mob on the street or the cancel culture in the boardroom, the goal all is the same," he said.

"To silence dissent, to scare you out of speaking the truth, and to bully Americans into abandonment of their values, their heritage, and their very way of life," he added.

'Patriotic Education' under the 1776 Commission

The 1776 commission will be tasked to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S.'s founding. It will encourage educators to teach students about "the miracle of American history."

"Our youth will be taught to love America with all of their heart and all of their souls," Trump said.

The White House did not say when would the President plans will officially start this new commission. Trump took "critical race theory" in particular. It argues that racism and inequalities related to race are a result of systemic power structures.

He called critical race theory a "Marxist doctrine" and added that teaching it to children is a form of child abuse "in the truest sense of the word."

He also swiped at the 1619 Project for trying to "reframe" the history of the U.S. It placed the effects of slavery and Black Americans' contributions at the center of U.S. history's narrative, and Trump did not like it being taught at schools.

Trump said both critical race theory and the 1619 Project were "ideological poison." He added that the two could dissolve the "civic bonds" that tie American citizens together if not removed.

The President and some of his top aides have denied that there is systemic racism in the U.S. This belief is despite protests all over the country in response to the killings of Black people.

Trump has also shown more opposition to anti-racism efforts as he denies it. Earlier this month, he sought to ban 'Anti-American' federal diversity training, as said in a memo.

White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said such training would only "drive division" within the workforce.