A Colorado substitute teacher has been placed on administrative leave after posting a video showing her young daughters suggesting that Donald Trump’s death would be the “best news ever”. Krista Cole, who teaches at a Colorado Springs public school, filmed herself playing a guessing game with her children that has sparked nationwide outrage.
In the video recorded last month, Cole asked her daughters to guess what she considered the “best news ever”. The children’s first response was “Donald Trump died”, prompting their mother to say it was actually the “second best news.
When one daughter then suggested “The vice president died” as another guess, Cole continued the game by asking for the “third best news”. This led another daughter to ask: “That Elon Musk died?
Cole finally revealed the actual news she was referring to was the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. However, the damage was already done as the video began circulating widely on social media.
The controversy has intensified following the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a Utah college on September 10. The timing has led to heightened scrutiny of those making light of political violence or death.
Cole’s connection to the military has added another dimension to the scandal. Her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Adam Cole, serves with the Colorado National Guard, leading many to question how a military family could engage in such rhetoric about the former Commander in Chief.
Chipeta Elementary’s school district responded swiftly to the controversy. A spokesperson told Daily Mail on Tuesday: “When there is a concern that an employee may have violated a district policy in an egregious manner, it is our practice to place them on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough review.”
The district emphasised that student safety remains their priority, stating: “This matter is being addressed administratively, and we cannot comment further on personnel issues. What we can say is that there is no safety threat to Chipeta Elementary, and our focus remains on providing a safe, supportive learning environment for our students.”
Social media users have flooded both the Army and school district with demands for action. Many are calling for Cole to be permanently terminated from her teaching position, whilst others have gone further by suggesting Child Protective Services should investigate the family.
One X user expressed disbelief at the military connection: “Well, that is disturbing. A military wife posted that the best news her kids thought of was the death of the Commander in Chief? We’re cooked.”
Another commenter focused on the father’s role: “Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. I don’t know what to say. The father of these children is a Lt. Col. in the US Army? Unreal.”
The incident raises serious questions about what children are being taught at home and how such attitudes might influence their behaviour at school. Education professionals have expressed concern about a teacher demonstrating such poor judgement in both her parenting and social media use.
The video has reignited debates about political polarisation in America, particularly concerning how partisan attitudes are being transmitted to young children. Child development experts warn that exposing children to such extreme political rhetoric can be harmful to their social development.
Cole’s decision to film and share the interaction suggests a troubling lack of awareness about professional boundaries. Teachers are typically held to high standards of conduct both inside and outside the classroom, making her actions particularly problematic.
The military community has also reacted with dismay, given that Lieutenant Colonel Cole serves in a position requiring political neutrality. The video potentially compromises his professional standing and raises questions about extremist views within military families.
As the investigation continues, Cole faces the possibility of permanent termination. The district’s swift action indicates the seriousness with which they view the incident, particularly given current tensions surrounding political violence.
The controversy serves as another example of how social media posts can have severe professional consequences. What Cole likely intended as a lighthearted family moment has instead become a career-threatening scandal.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing concern about political radicalisation and the celebration of violence across the political spectrum. Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, authorities and employers appear more willing to take decisive action against those promoting or trivialising political violence.
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