President Trump Signs Executive Order Expanding School Choice Initiatives

In an executive order issued last night, President Donald Trump has directed federal agencies to support school choice for families in hopes of expanding school choice initiatives. The order, 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.”

“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.

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.

Under the 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.

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.”

The Trump administration contends that expanding education freedom will provide more opportunities for students, particularly those in underperforming schools. However, critics argue that redirecting public funds toward private and charter schools could weaken traditional public education systems.

The executive order mandates federal agencies to submit plans for implementing these initiatives, with potential effects beginning in the 2025-26 school year. As the policy takes shape, education stakeholders will closely monitor its nationwide impact on public and private school systems.

Trump is awaiting confirmation of Linda McMahon as the Secretary of Education, who has indicated she will support a widespread voucher program.