Trump Directs Education Department to Clarify Federal Funds for School Choice

President Donald Trump signed a series of significant executive orders on Wednesday aimed at prioritizing school choice funding and dismantling what the administration refers to as “radical indoctrination” within K-12 educational settings.

These actions align with Trump’s campaign promises to reform the education system, which he has pledged to “save.” The executive orders are part of an ongoing stream of directives the president has issued since assuming office last week.

One of the newly signed orders instructs the U.S. Education Department secretary to provide guidance on how states might utilize federal formula funds to bolster K-12 school choice programs. This directive is expected to be released within the next two months.

Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, has not yet appeared before a Senate panel for confirmation. McMahon, known for her previous role as head of the Small Business Administration and her affiliation with World Wrestling Entertainment, is anticipated to be key in realizing Trump’s extensive education agenda.

Additionally, the president’s orders emphasize the inclusion of education freedom as a focal point in discretionary grant programs, contingent on relevant legal frameworks. Trump has also tasked the Department of Health and Human Services with guidance on how states can utilize block grants to enhance educational choice, aiding families who wish to pursue non-governmental educational options, including private and faith-based institutions.

In a related directive, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is instructed to assess how Department of Defense funding could facilitate school choices for military-connected families. He is expected to deliver a plan detailing the proposed mechanisms for this initiative.

Furthermore, Trump has mandated that the incoming head of the Department of the Interior review how eligible individuals can access federal funds for schools within the Bureau of Indian Education. Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum appears to be on track for confirmation as the new Interior secretary.

Amidst these developments, Trump signed a contentious order targeting federal funding for schools that instruct any form of “discriminatory equity ideology.” The administration criticizes this ideology for categorizing individuals into groups rather than recognizing them as individuals, undermining merit and individual potential.

This order further requires the secretaries of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services to develop an “ending indoctrination strategy” within 90 days. This strategy should include recommendations for eliminating federal support for what the administration deems illegal and discriminatory practices in K-12 education.

Lastly, Trump also enacted another executive order aimed at curbing antisemitism on college campuses, reflecting a continued focus on educational policy reform under his administration.