In a flurry of executive actions on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a broad overhaul of U.S. education policy, signing several orders that touch on everything from school discipline and artificial intelligence to university accreditation and workforce training. The moves have sparked both praise and concern across the education landscape, highlighting the administration’s evolving priorities heading into an election year.
Tougher Stance on School Discipline
The president’s first order addresses disciplinary practices in K-12 schools, aiming to reverse Obama-era guidance that discouraged suspensions and expulsions in favor of restorative justice policies. Speaking from the Oval Office, White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said those policies “created issues in the classroom for teachers and students alike,” suggesting they led to rising behavioral problems post-pandemic.
While classroom disruptions have reportedly increased in recent years, experts note that school discipline is largely handled at the state and local levels, raising questions about the federal government’s ability to enforce changes nationally.
Still, Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the order as a necessary measure to “boost school safety standards” and return control over discipline to school administrators. “Disciplinary decisions should be based solely on students’ behavior and actions,” she said.
Integrating AI in Classrooms
Another executive order calls for a national effort to integrate artificial intelligence into K-12 education, aiming to prepare students for a future where AI is central to the economy. Scharf emphasized that the order focuses on workforce preparedness and digital literacy.
“We’re making sure that young Americans have the tools and skills they need to compete in a world where AI will be central to every industry,” Scharf explained. The order encourages schools to adopt AI-driven tools and curricula, though it stops short of allocating new funding for implementation.
Targeting University Accreditation and ‘Woke Ideology’
Perhaps the most controversial of Wednesday’s actions is Trump’s order to overhaul the college accreditation process—a change that could significantly alter how institutions access federal funding. Accreditors, which are third-party organizations, currently determine whether universities meet standards to receive federal student aid.
Scharf criticized some of these accreditors for allegedly applying ideological rather than merit-based standards, a claim that has been strongly refuted by the accrediting agencies. He accused some of being “influenced by woke ideology,” though provided limited evidence.
Notably, the Trump administration recently revoked $2 billion in federal funding from Harvard University, claiming it failed to comply with policy demands. Harvard has since filed a lawsuit against the administration, calling the move retaliatory and politically motivated.
Crackdown on Foreign Gifts to Universities
Another executive order seeks to reinforce an existing but rarely enforced law requiring universities to disclose large foreign donations. Scharf said the administration believes that several institutions, including Harvard, have “routinely violated” the law without facing consequences.
While the law itself isn’t new, the order aims to give it teeth by demanding more aggressive enforcement and expanding public reporting requirements.
Support for HBCUs and Workforce Development
Amid the tougher regulations, Trump also announced support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), signing an order to create a White House initiative focused on helping these institutions become “economic engines” in their communities.
Secretary McMahon said the Education Department will work closely with the initiative to promote best practices and help HBCUs expand their industry partnerships.
The final executive order centers on workforce development, calling for an expansion of apprenticeship programs and dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students. The administration says this is part of a broader push to realign education with labor market needs.
“The Trump administration will support communities offering career-aligned programs,” McMahon said, “so that students graduate with real skills and real opportunities.”
Looking Ahead
The scope and ambition of Wednesday’s executive orders make clear that education reform will be a central theme in Trump’s policy agenda heading into 2025. While supporters praise the orders as “common sense” and focused on accountability, critics argue that they risk undermining academic independence and local control.
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