Former President Donald Trump has told supporters that the United States education system would emulate that of socialist-leaning Norway if he's elected president.
If Trump makes it back to the White House he plans to shut down the U.S. Department of Education and turn over the entire system to the states, he noted in his address Saturday at the conservative Christian Faith & Freedom Coalition's "Road to Majority" conference in Washington, D.C.
"It will be beautiful ... like Norway," he insisted. "Norway has a great education system."
Norway’s education system has:
— Melanie D'Arrigo (@DarrigoMelanie) June 23, 2024
- universal Pre-K
- inclusivity programs
- green, outdoor play areas
- tuition free universities
- 8th highest teacher’s pay in the world
- generous funding to provide high quality education
Trump supports none of those things. https://t.co/fBTLXNBiGd
Norway, which has a mixed economy that combines elements of capitalism with a strong welfare state, has a publicly funded schools system that offers free education at all levels, including universities.
Norway's system reflects the country's commitment to a comprehensive welfare state, aiming to ensure equal access to education for all citizens. Private schools are relatively uncommon.
Norway also has a high tax rate that has fluctuated between 40% and 45% of GDP since the 1970s to fund its social services, including education, which is significantly higher than in the U.S.
Trump slashed taxes to the wealthy and corporations when he was in the White House, so it's unclear how Trump would fund a Norwegian-like education system in the U.S.
