A focus on disrupting, eliminating, and restricting programs that have historically been in public schools.
Donald J. Trump is set to serve a second presidential term, and with both chambers of Congress likely under Republican leadership—pending the final decision on the House—the future of U.S. education may undergo significant changes. Throughout the campaign trail, Trump has pledged to dismantle the Department of Education, restrict federal funding for schools that include critical race theory in their curriculum, and prohibit transgender female athletes from competing in school sports.
Here is a roundup of changes Trump has proposed that will take place when he takes office in January 2025, starting with the elimination of the Department of Education.
Parental Authority in Education
Trump’s administration will focus on the belief that parents should be the primary stakeholders in their children’s education and should have a say in how it is conducted. Ultimately, parents will have the right to control and guide the educational content their children receive. At a campaign rally in Iowa in March 2023, Trump doubled down on the idea that parents are in control. “I will bring parental rights back into our school system,” he said. “Parents, you have rights.”
School Leadership Elected By Parents
Under the Trump administration, local school boards will be equipped to recruit and retain exceptional educators and hold staff accountable. Recognizing that teachers and principals are vital to fostering a positive learning environment, this plan will give communities the power to remove underperforming personnel to ensure students receive the highest-quality education. ”
Focused Academic Curriculum
Under Trump’s administration, he will focus on academic subjects that form the foundation of knowledge—reading, writing, mathematics, science, and practical life skills. Schools should prioritize these areas to equip students with essential skills needed in both professional and personal contexts.
During a campaign event in Bozeman, Montana, in August of this year, he doubled down on starting this on day one in office. “On day one, I will sign a new executive order to cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content onto the lives of our children,” Trump reiterated, “I will not give one penny to any school that has a vaccine mandate or a mask mandate.
Promoting National Pride
Starting in 2022, Critical race theory (CRT), began to make “waves” as Republicans began to accuse schools of teaching it- an academic concept about systemic racism typically taught in higher education institutions. There are at least 16 states that have laws/ policies across America that limit lessons about race and inequality being taught in American K-12 schools.
Many of the bills attempt to legislate lessons that may make students feel shame and guilt based on race or discuss oppression and intersectionality. According to Donald Trump’s campaign, education should instill a sense of pride and respect for the country and encourage students to engage positively as citizens.
Supporting School Prayer
In line with community values, there will be consideration for incorporating school prayer to foster a respectful and inclusive environment that aligns with the beliefs of many families. Starting in 1962, state-sanctioned prayers in public schools were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court with Engle v. Vitale. Before then, in American schools, many teachers and principals led morning prayers according to a Christian tradition — without regard to students’ religious beliefs in the classrooms.
The First Amendment states that the government may not favor one religious practice over another. Thus, the Supreme Court ruled that these school prayers “established” Christianity while excluding other religions, including some forms of Christianity.
Ensuring Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Trump’s plans for school safety focus on expulsion and non-negotiables around student behavior. Policies will ensure secure, drug-free environments where students and teachers feel protected. Those students showing unwanted behaviors will face expulsion and other policies for those causing harm, with hopes of reinforcing a culture of safety and respect.
School Choice for Parents
School choice has been a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign and the Republican Party. Currently, 11 states have universal school choice, and 32 states and Washington, D.C., have at least one private school choice program—but 18 states have none. Numerous times on the campaign trail, Trump and company have double-downed that families in poverty deserve the freedom to select schools that align with their expectations and values. “A child’s fate should be determined by their love of education, by their parents, by so many factors. But it can’t be determined by a ZIP code,” Trump said. “And no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government-run school.”
Trump’s universal school choice would ultimately allow parents to send their children to public, private, or religious schools.
Integrating Project-Based Learning
Trump’s plan is to bring project-based learning in all K-12 schools in hopes to help students connect academic learning to practical applications. Through hands-on learning, students can gain insights into potential careers and develop valuable skills beyond the classroom.
Early Work Experiences
Trump’s 2025 agenda emphasizes schools partnering with businesses to provide students with internships and work experiences. The hope is that these opportunities will allow students to explore career interests, develop job skills, and transition smoothly into the workforce, setting a foundation for future success.
Enhanced Career Counseling
Part of Trump’s new administration’s agenda will focus on career guidance programs that aid students in identifying career paths that align with their talents. This support will be available at both the high school and college levels, giving students a head start in fields where they are likely to excel.
Many of these ideas are outlined in Project 2025, the conservative playlist from the Heritage Foundation Project 2025, an initiative spearheaded by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation. Project 2025 contains four main pillars, which collectively resemble a takeover of government institutions as we know them. It’s first a policy guide, then a list of loyal people for Trump’s would-be second term. It’s a training guide for those people, and finally, it’s a list of radical actions for Trump’s would-be 180 days in office.
Donald J. Trump will take office on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.