Trump Directs Education Department to Empower States with Federal Funds for School Choice: What It Means for Your Child’s Education

President Trump recently signed executive orders aimed at reshaping education in America. His focus is on promoting school choice and addressing concerns about what he calls “radical indoctrination” in K-12 schools.

This effort aligns with his campaign promises to improve education, which has been a major theme since he took office. One key order instructs the Education Department to guide states on how to use federal funds to support school choice programs. This guidance is expected within two months.

Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, could play a significant role in implementing these changes. She has a background in the private sector and previously led the Small Business Administration. However, she has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

Another executive order tasks the Department of Health and Human Services with finding ways for states to use block grants to enhance educational choices for families. This includes funding for private and faith-based schools.

Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is directed to explore how military families can access Department of Defense funds for their school choices. The same requirement applies to the Department of the Interior, which will review options for students eligible for the Bureau of Indian Education.

Trump also aims to stop federal funding for schools he believes promote “discriminatory equity ideology.” This term refers to practices that categorize individuals based on group identity, rather than personal merit. The Education, Defense, and Health departments have 90 days to develop a plan to address this issue.

On the same day, Trump signed another order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. This multifaceted approach highlights his administration’s commitment to reforming education policies across various levels.