Overview:
President Trump signed an executive order expanding school choice initiatives, directing federal agencies to support state-based educational options, including private, charter, and faith-based schools.
Two executive orders issued last night by President Donald Trump have directed federal agencies to support school choice for families in hopes of expanding school choice initiatives and ending radical indoctrination. The orders, issued under the authority of the President, Trump directed the secretaries of Labor and Education to review their discretionary grant programs and submit plans to “expand education freedom for America’s families and teachers,” all while reviewing funding for programs that promote what it terms “discriminatory equity ideology” and “gender ideology,” while reinforcing parental rights in education.
“Parents want and deserve the best education for their children. But too many children do not thrive in their assigned, government-run K-12 school, ” Trump said in the order.
School Choice Executive Order
Citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which reports that the nation’s fourth- and eighth-graders continue to struggle to regain academic ground lost during the pandemic, the executive order argues that geographically assigned public schools have contributed to housing costs and financial burdens for families seeking better educational opportunities. The administration asserts that increasing competition among schools and providing parents with more educational freedom will improve student achievement and strengthen national competitiveness.
According to the American Federation of Teachers, President Randi Weingarten expressed disappointment, “This order on vouchers will hijack federal money used to level the playing field for poor and disadvantaged kids and hand it directly to unaccountable private operators.”
Under the school choice directive, the Department of Education must issue guidance within 60 days on how states can utilize federal formula funds to support school choice programs. Additionally, the Secretaries of Education and Labor are tasked with reviewing discretionary grant programs to identify funding opportunities that promote educational freedom. The order also includes provisions to explore funding mechanisms for low-income families, military-connected students, and children eligible for Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools to access private, charter, or faith-based education alternatives.
Radical Indoctrination Executive Order
The second executive order signed by Donald Trump aimed at restricting certain educational practices in K-12 schools that the administration describes as “radical indoctrination.”
The order directs federal agencies to review funding for programs that promote what it terms “discriminatory equity ideology” and “gender ideology,” while reinforcing parental rights in education.
Critics argue the order could limit discussions on race and gender in schools, while supporters say it upholds parental rights and ensures a more traditional approach to history and civics education.
Next Steps
Both executive orders give departments 60-90 days to make immediate changes.
Agencies will have 60 days to submit plans for implementing these school choice initiatives, with potential effects beginning in the 2025-26 school year. While the radical indoctrination executive order reestablishes the 1776 Commission to promote what the administration calls “patriotic education.”
Federal agencies will develop an “Ending Indoctrination Strategy” within 90 days, assessing funding streams and compliance with existing laws such as Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Trump is awaiting confirmation of Linda McMahon as the Secretary of Education, who has indicated she will support a widespread voucher program.
