WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move critics are calling “a bold reimagining of higher education priorities,” the Department of Education (DOE) announced Wednesday that nine universities would receive millions in new federal grants — on the condition they shut down their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and replace them with fully stocked MAGA merchandise booths.
“Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars on pronoun workshops and seminars about colonial microaggressions, students will now have access to affordable MAGA hats, Trump bobbleheads, and limited-edition ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ hoodies,” President Donald Trump said during the rollout, flanked by Vice President J.D. Vance and a giant inflatable bald eagle. “It’s about time higher education started giving young people something useful.”
The new initiative, dubbed Operation Red Cap, will require at least one MAGA booth in every student union, with additional kiosks allowed in parking lots during football games.
University leaders expressed concern that closing DEI offices could lead to backlash, but several students told reporters they were “relieved” not to sit through another seminar on inclusive frisbee.
The DOE confirmed that faculty would still be allowed to hold office hours — but only if they wore Trump-branded polo shirts.
