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- President Donald Trump has issued executive orders to prioritize school choice and end federal funding for what he terms “discriminatory treatment and indoctrination” in K-12 schools.
- The orders direct multiple federal agencies to explore ways to use their funds to support school choice initiatives, including private and faith-based schools.
- These moves come as part of Trump’s broader education policy push, citing disappointing results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
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Essential Context
President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at transforming the U.S. education landscape. One order prioritizes school choice, while the other seeks to end federal funding for programs deemed as promoting “discriminatory treatment and indoctrination” in K-12 schools.
Core Players
- Donald Trump – President of the United States
- U.S. Department of Education – Primary agency tasked with implementing school choice initiatives
- Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Interior – Agencies directed to support school choice programs
- Linda McMahon – Nominated Education Secretary, known for her advocacy on school choice
Key Numbers
- 60 days – Deadline for the Education Department to provide guidance to states on using federal formula funds for school choice
- 90 days – Deadline for HHS and Defense departments to issue guidance on using their block grants for school choice
- 70% – Percentage of eighth-grade students not proficient in reading, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress
- 72% – Percentage of eighth-grade students not proficient in math, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress
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The Catalyst
The recent executive orders were issued in response to the disappointing results of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, which showed significant declines in reading and math scores among U.S. students.
“When our public education system fails such a large segment of society, it hinders our national competitiveness and devastates families and communities,” the order stated.
Inside Forces
The orders reflect Trump’s long-standing advocacy for school choice, a policy that has been a cornerstone of Republican education agendas. During his first term, Trump attempted to expand school choice but faced significant resistance from Congress.
The current orders direct the Education Department to develop guidance for states on using federal formula funds, such as Title I funds, to support school choice initiatives within 60 days.
Power Dynamics
The Trump administration’s push for school choice is likely to face legal and political challenges. The orders rely on executive authority, but major changes in federal education funding would require congressional approval.
Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon as Education Secretary signals a continued commitment to expanding school choice programs, a stance that aligns with her previous advocacy efforts.
Outside Impact
The orders have been met with criticism from the nation’s two largest teachers’ unions, which argue that voters have rejected ballot measures seeking to expand school choice. Opponents claim these policies are designed to undermine public education.
The directives also aim to reestablish the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission, which is intended to promote patriotic education.
Future Forces
The immediate impact of these orders is expected to be limited due to the statutory control over major federal education programs. Significant changes would require a congressional overhaul of existing education laws.
Looking ahead, the Trump administration may seek legislative action to support its school choice agenda, potentially following models like Arizona’s universal school choice program implemented in 2022.
Data Points
- 2022: Arizona becomes the first state to adopt universal school choice.
- 2024: National Assessment of Educational Progress shows 70% of eighth-grade students are not proficient in reading and 72% are not proficient in math.
- Jan. 29, 2025: Trump signs executive orders on school choice and ending discriminatory treatment in K-12 schools.
- 90 days: Deadline for HHS and Defense departments to issue guidance on using their block grants for school choice.
The latest executive orders mark a significant push by the Trump administration to reshape the U.S. education system. As the landscape continues to evolve, the impact of these policies will be closely watched by educators, policymakers, and families across the country.
