Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is gearing up to speak at the annual Moms for Liberty event, a national organization known for advocating against LGBTQ+ and racial equity discussions in K-12 classrooms. The event aims to rally support among conservative parents who believe in greater authority over public education decisions. However, this move may risk alienating moderate voters who view Moms for Liberty’s activism as extreme.
Moms for Liberty, once seen as a significant player in conservative politics, has faced setbacks recently due to scandals and lackluster performances during local elections. Despite its initial rise in membership driven by opposition to COVID-19 measures like student masking, the group’s influence is now under scrutiny.
The organization’s support for Project 2025, a controversial conservative playbook, has drawn further attention. Trump, who has distanced himself from the project, will be engaging with Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice at the gathering.
While the event may help Trump energize his base, political analysts like Aubrey Jewett from the University of Central Florida warn of potential backlash. Trump’s campaign highlights his education proposals, which include advocating for school choice, empowering parents in education, and targeting issues like teacher tenure and transgender sports participation.
In contrast, Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has criticized Trump’s stance on education and his plans to dismantle the Department of Education. The candidates also differ on policies related to trade, tariffs, and energy costs, with both heavily campaigning in Pennsylvania ahead of the upcoming election. Harris is set to make a joint campaign appearance with President Joe Biden in Pittsburgh on Labor Day.