In President Trump’s first 100 days, he has made sweeping changes to education policy. His administration’s approach prioritizes parental rights, state control, and school choice—earning praise from conservatives and criticism from some public education advocates.
Read more from his administration here.
Reducing the Federal Role in Education
The Trump administration began downsizing the U.S. Department of Education, cutting more than $1 billion in funding. The goal: shift decision-making power to states and local school districts. Supporters call it a necessary rollback of federal overreach and a return to community-based control.
Some education groups, however, warn that eliminating federal oversight may increase disparities between school systems and leave vulnerable students without support.
Read the Executive Order here; pushback commentary is available here.
Eliminating DEI Programs
In alignment with recent Supreme Court rulings, the administration moved to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and universities. Officials argue these initiatives promote ideological bias and unfair treatment based on race.
Critics strongly disagree. “This isn’t about fairness—it’s about reversing progress,” said Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers. Civil rights organizations caution that ending DEI funding could roll back decades of advancement in educational equity.
The latest news on Trump’s anti-DEI push is available here.
Expanding School Choice
Early in President Trump’s first 100 days, he renewed his push for universal school choice. New policies would allow families to use public education dollars at charter, private, or religious schools. Advocates say this empowers parents and increases accountability across the education system.
Opponents argue school choice diverts money from public schools and deepens inequality—especially in underserved communities.
The White House fact sheet on school choice is available here.
Targeting Higher Education Bias
The administration also pulled federal funding from select universities accused of promoting antisemitism or ideological extremism. Conservative supporters say this protects students and taxpayers from one-sided political agendas.
University leaders worry these moves threaten academic freedom and independence.
What’s Next for Education Policy?
President Trump has signaled more changes ahead. He plans to dismantle the Department of Education entirely, expand school choice nationwide, and ban critical race theory in all federally funded schools. Additional proposals include increasing curriculum transparency and strengthening parental rights.
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