The Department of Education displayed a banner of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in a move intended to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. Another banner near Kirk’s reads, “Empowering our States to tell the Stories of our Heroes in American Education.” Kirk is featured alongside American educators Booker T. Washington and Catharine Beecher.
Savannah Newhouse, press secretary for the Department of Education, told Newsweek, “We are proud to honor visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the future of education for generations. Their work reflects Benjamin Franklin’s timeless belief that ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’” She explained that as the United States “marks a historic 250th milestone, this moment invites us all to join in the pursuit of fostering educational opportunity that empowers every learner to rise, contribute, and help shape a brighter future for generations yet to come.”
Kirk’s impact on education, fueled by his faith and pro-American ideals, led to the Ohio House of Representatives passing the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act” in November, allowing public school history classes to teach the positive impacts of Christianity in the nation. The legislation, led by State Reps. Gary Click and Mike Dovilla, both Republicans, preserves the ability for educators to discuss religion as an element of U.S. history.
Last month, a banner featuring President Trump and the phrase, “Make America Safe Again,” flew from the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C. When asked about the banner, a DOJ spokesperson told NBC News, “We are proud at this Department of Justice to celebrate 250 years of our great country and our historic work to make America safe again at President Trump’s direction.”
