On January 29, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at reshaping the American education system by promoting parental choice and restricting federal funding for what he characterized as “anti-American” ideologies in school curricula. These directives mark a significant step in Trump’s second-term agenda to implement conservative educational reforms, a move that has sparked heated debates between his administration and critics who fear the undermining of public education.

The first executive order instructs the US Department of Education to guide states on utilizing federal funds for school choice initiatives. Without specifying details, the order underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting parental control over their children’s education.

“It is the policy of my Administration to support parents in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children,” Trump stated in the order. “Too many children do not thrive in their assigned, government-run K-12 school.”

Trump’s school choice policy is based on the conservative argument that traditional public schools are failing to meet educational standards and are increasingly promoting liberal ideologies. The directive also emphasizes the need for alternative education options, such as charter schools, private institutions, and homeschooling.

The order further directs federal agencies to explore ways for states to use block grants to support non-traditional education models, including private and religious schools. This move could impact an estimated $30 billion to $40 billion in federal grants, according to Frederick Hess, an education expert at the American Enterprise Institute.

The new directive prioritizes federal funding for school choice programs and even proposes allowing military families........

© Blitz