WASHINGTON — In a high-profile move to reshape American education, former President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on April 23 that target everything from artificial intelligence in high schools to the elimination of “woke” accreditation standards in universities.
Speaking from the White House, Trump described the changes as a bold plan to “restore merit, protect students, and keep foreign influence out of our schools.”
Here’s a breakdown of the 7 major moves announced:
1. Bringing AI Into Classrooms
Trump is pushing for the integration of artificial intelligence into K-12 education by expanding AI coursework and certifications for high school students.
- Grants and training: The Education Department will prioritize AI in teacher training grants.
- Apprenticeships: The Labor Department is tasked with expanding AI-related apprenticeships.
“This is a big deal, because AI seems to be where it’s at,” Trump said.
2. Crackdown on ‘Woke’ College Accreditation
One of the most politically charged orders targets accreditation agencies, which Trump accuses of enforcing “discriminatory” DEI standards.
- The Justice and Education Departments are directed to investigate accreditors for ideological bias.
- The White House says this reform will prioritize student outcomes and academic freedom.
3. Reversing Obama-Era School Discipline Guidance
Trump’s new directive rescinds guidance from 2014 that addressed racial disparities in school discipline, claiming it caused schools to go soft on dangerous students.
- Critics say this could disproportionately impact students of color, while supporters argue it restores local control and safety.
4. Ending ‘Disparate Impact’ Policies
Trump is challenging a key civil rights concept known as disparate impact, which treats neutral policies as discriminatory if they lead to unequal racial outcomes.
He called it a “violation of the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection,” claiming it promotes racial favoritism over individual merit.
5. Boosting Trade Skills & Reindustrialization
Trump’s fifth order focuses on workforce development, directing federal departments to map out a strategy within 90 days to align education with the needs of U.S. industries.
- The goal: help workers gain skills in manufacturing, trades, and tech to meet reindustrialization demands.
6. New Vision for HBCUs
Trump signed a new order on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, promoting private sector partnerships and career pipelines.
- He also revoked a Biden-era advisory council connected to HBCUs.
Trump praised HBCUs as “beacons of excellence” and pledged to expand affordable degree access.
7. Exposing Foreign Influence in Higher Ed
In a nod to his first-term efforts, Trump revived his push for transparency in foreign donations to American universities.
- He cited $6.5 billion in previously hidden foreign funds uncovered during his presidency.
- The new order mandates full disclosure of foreign money’s purpose and origin.
The Big Picture:
Trump’s education orders represent a full-court press on ideological, economic, and technological fronts. By emphasizing AI, individual merit, and national self-reliance while simultaneously targeting DEI and foreign influence, Trump is drawing sharp lines for a possible second term—and signaling a major shift from Biden-era education policy.
