President Donald Trump signed two major executive orders on Wednesday, fulfilling key campaign promises on school choice and what the White House calls combating a “radical indoctrination” in schools. In addition, he signed an order targeting antisemitism, underscoring his administration’s focus on reshaping federal education policies and addressing concerns about discrimination.
Executive Order on School Choice
The school choice order marks a significant step in Trump’s long-standing agenda to make taxpayer funds available for private education. The order directs multiple federal agencies to implement policies that would allow parents to use public funds for private schools, religious institutions, or other alternatives to public education.
The Department of Education, which Trump has vowed to shut down, is tasked with issuing guidance on scholarship programs for K-12 students. The Department of Defense must create a plan allowing military families to use defense funds for their preferred schools. The Department of Interior will submit a similar plan for families attending Bureau of Indian Education schools, while the Department of Health and Human Services will guide states on using funds for private or faith-based schools.
Critics, including teachers’ unions, warn that siphoning public funds could result in the closure of public schools, especially in districts already struggling with declining student enrollment and budget cuts. A CNN analysis highlights the potential consequences, noting that many states relying heavily on federal support for public education voted for Trump in the last election.
Parental Rights and Ending Discriminatory Practices
Trump’s second education-related order focuses on protecting parental rights and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws in K-12 schools. The order mandates agencies to develop plans to end federal funding for schools engaged in discriminatory practices, particularly those involving gender ideology or “equity-driven” teaching methods. The order emphasizes eliminating what Trump’s administration labels “illegal and discriminatory treatment,” reflecting ongoing conservative criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools.
Combating Antisemitism
In addition to the education orders, Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing campus antisemitism. The order includes measures to cancel student visas for individuals identified as “Hamas sympathizers” on U.S. college campuses.
The order requires government agencies to submit a report within 60 days identifying legal options to address antisemitism and review pending civil-rights complaints against colleges. This comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and subsequent pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. campuses.
Trump and the Republican National Convention’s 2024 platform have pledged to make college campuses “safe and patriotic,” advocating for the deportation of students seen as supporting extremist views. As the orders take effect, questions remain about their long-term impact on public education and civil rights protections, particularly for marginalized communities.