MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump raised some eyebrows at a town hall discussion in Milwaukee last night when he listed education as one of the top three functions of the federal government.

Trump has repeatedly advocated for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and returning governing authority over education matters to the state level, and CNN reporter Anderson Cooper pressed him on the apparent contradiction at the live event.

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The Washington Free Beacon posted a YouTube video of the interaction Tuesday.

The original question posed to Trump came from retired U.S. Army veteran Robert Kitelinger, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan:

“Good evening, Mr. Trump. In your opinion, what are the top three functions of the U.S. government?”

Trump’s response:

“Well, the greatest function of all by far is security for our nation. I would also say health care. I would also say education. I mean, there are many, many things.

“I would say the top three are security, security, security. We have got to have security for our country to we can continue to exist as a country.”

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The Donald reiterated comments he’s made previously about “thousands and thousands of people infiltrating our country” and the government’s inability to track them. Cooper then steered the conversation back to the original question.

“The top three – you’re saying security …,” Cooper said.

“I say all top three are security,” Trump said, “but health care, education would probably be three that would be top, but then you can go on from there.”

Trump went on to explain why he believes the country is vulnerable and needs a stronger military before Cooper eventually pressed him further on the top three function of federal government.

“In terms of the federal government’s role, you’re saying security, but you also say health care and education should be provided by the federal government?” Cooper questioned.

“Well, those are two of the things, ya sure, I mean there are obviously many things – housing, providing great neighborhoods and safe neighborhoods,” Trump said as Cooper cut him off.

“But aren’t you against the federal government’s involvement in education, don’t you want it to devolve to states?” he asked.

“I want it to go to states, ya, absolutely,” Trump said.

“So that’s not part of what the federal government’s role should be?” Cooper questioned.

“Well, (not) the federal government, but the concept of country, we have to have education within the country. And we have to get rid of Common Core, and it should be brought to the state level, absolutely,” Trump said.

“And health care, run by the federal government?” Cooper asked.

Trump: “Health care, we need health care for our people. Obamacare is a disaster …”

“But is that something the federal government should be doing,” Cooper said, cutting him off.

“The federal government can lead it, but it should be privately done,” Trump said. “It should be privately done. So that health care, in my opinion, we … have to have private health care. We don’t have competition in health care.”

Conservatives were quick to point out Trump’s comments on Twitter, Twitchy reports.

“So @realDonaldTrump thinks the top 3 functions of go(v) are: 1 Security 2 Health Care 3 Education,” Derek Hunter tweeted. “Yeah, he’s conservative #Sarcasm #GOPTownHall”

“Show me a Republican who believes Federal Gov’t functions are healthcare and education, I’ll show you a Democrat. #GOPTownHall #tcot #fb,” Torrey M. Spears posted.

Crankybecky wrote: “Healthcare and education? I thought this was GOP debate #GOPTownHall”

“According to The Donald ‘Security, Healthcare, Education’ are the top 3 federal gov responsibilities? Sounds like YUGE go to me #GOPTownHall,” PC Principal added.