When the America 250 Civics Education Coalition launched last fall, it brought the U.S. Department of Education into partnership with several right-wing organizations with the aim of “renewing patriotism, strengthening knowledge and advancing a shared understanding of America’s founding principles in schools across the nation.” Primary sponsors of the coalition include the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, and Hillsdale College, as well as additional supporting partners such as the Heritage Foundation, Moms for Liberty, PragerU, and Priests for Life.

In a press conference to announce the launch of the ongoing educational campaign, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon made clear that she believes there’s a need to boost civics education in U.S. schools. “Civic knowledge, engagement and Constitutional literacy among our youth — I’m going to say it’s in decline,” she said. “I can almost say it is absent and we have to really refocus on this.”

“Why don’t these young people love America, or why aren’t they proud to be Americans? It’s because they don’t know America,” she railed. “We haven’t taught them about America. They don’t know our history. They don’t know the trials and tribulations that led to this being the most wonderful country on the face of the earth.”