Bette Midler only needs 2 words to reinforce the dangers of abolishing the Department of Education

As autumn settles in and the world transforms with falling leaves and the spirit of Halloween, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the words of the legendary Bette Midler. Her voice rings out like a clarion call against the impending threat that seems to be looming larger every day: the potential return of Donald Trump.

In her characteristic, witty style, Midler has raised alarms about a sequel more alarming than Hocus Pocus 3. She points out that if Trump were to reclaim power, the repercussions could be catastrophic, including rollbacks of vital climate change regulations, undermining the justice system, slashing healthcare, and, perhaps most unsettling, dismantling the Department of Education.

Bette took to social media to express her concerns, responding to a meme that lampoons the consequences of abolishing the Department of Education. The image features a man wearing a Confederate flag shirt with the misspelled slogan, “My Incestors built this country.” Midler’s sharp commentary reminds us how close we are to a reality where ignorance could reign supreme if we don’t heed the warnings.

With absurd beliefs gaining traction—from conspiracy theories about Democrats controlling the weather to claims that raw milk holds miraculous powers—Bette’s insights resonate even more deeply. It’s a startling time when the lines between fact and fiction blur, and the collective intelligence of society teeters on the brink.

Trump has made it clear at his rallies that he intends to disband the Department of Education, suggesting that education should revert to state control. This aligns with the conservative agenda outlined in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which proposes privatizing education and eliminating support for programs that benefit LGBTQ+ youth and promote diversity. The potential fallout could be devastating, risking over $30 billion in funding for vulnerable students and exacerbating inequalities between wealthy and poorer states.

While Trump bemoans the U.S. education system’s standing in the world, the reality is that American students perform commendably in reading and science compared to other developed nations. His calls for reform appear less about improving education and more about advancing a partisan agenda.

Bette Midler, our cultural witch of wisdom, understands the gravity of the situation. With echoes of chaos from Trump’s previous term still resonating, we must stay vigilant as Halloween approaches. Her warnings serve not just as entertainment but as a rallying cry to protect our democracy and ensure that the values we hold dear do not fall victim to ignorance and division.