In a stunning move, Donald Trump’s new announcement to crack down on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has sparked furious debate across the country.

Many Americans accuse Trump of trying to pay “reparations” to whites who feel they have been victims of so-called “reverse discrimination” in education. In a newly released video that sent social media into a frenzy, Trump proposed a fines framework for schools and colleges that offer DEI-based programs. In turn, he plans to use the money from the fines for a restitution fund available to settle civil lawsuits brought by DEI victims.

“College and university tuition has exploded, and I mean absolutely exploded,” Donald Trump said. “While academics have been obsessed with indoctrinating America’s youth, the time has come to reclaim our once great educational institutions from the radical left, and we will. Our secret weapon will be the college accreditation system.

He went on to point the finger at what he called “radical leftist credentials” for allowing “anti-American” and “Marxist” ideologies to thrive on campuses. He doubled down on his disdain for DEI programs, which he claims serve only to “indoctrinate” young minds while adding unnecessary costs to higher education. Trump has vowed to turn the tide by making the college accreditation system his “secret weapon” against institutions that promote DEI policies.

The controversial proposal does not end there. Trump added that he would enlist the Justice Department to pursue civil rights actions against institutions he claims practice “racial discrimination” under the guise of equity policies. The plan would authorize large fines or even cutbacks in funding, creating what some say is an unprecedented war against DEI in education. And while Trump stopped short of directly calling it “reparations,” the subtext was enough to spark widespread backlash.

One critic posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Trump is about to pay compensation to white people who suffered ‘racial discrimination’ because of ‘diversity initiatives.’ This is why ideas like “Black people can be racist to white people” need to be shut down. They are about to institutionalize it.”

Another user chimed in, writing: “Trump announces reparations for white people. He says he will ask the Department of Justice to sanction colleges that consider diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and fine them so they can pay ‘restitution’ to white people who they see as the real victims of racial discrimination.”

The move aligns Trump with other GOP leaders targeting DEI initiatives. Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that similarly limits DEI programs in the state’s public schools and universities. A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) curriculum is an educational framework designed to promote awareness, understanding, and respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. It aims to create inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and supported, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, religion or other aspects of identity. An DEI curriculum typically includes lessons and discussions about social justice, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, encouraging students to be critical thinkers and compassionate community members. This type of curriculum can also cover topics such as historical inequities, privilege, unconscious biases, and strategies for promoting inclusive workplaces and communities.

Watch the video in the post above to see Trump’s full address about his fines and restitution plans.