Trump Should Keep Politics Out of Our Classrooms
Trump Should Keep Politics Out of Our Classrooms – President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” may appeal to many on a philosophical level, but it raises a fundamental legal question: Does the federal government have the authority to dictate school curricula?
Federal Law Prohibits Government Control Over Curriculum
For decades, federal law has drawn a clear boundary when it comes to education. According to Title 20, Chapter 31, §1232a of the U.S. Code, no federal department, agency, or official may dictate curriculum, instructional programs, textbooks, or library resources for schools.
This principle has long been a safeguard against federal overreach, ensuring that states, school districts, educators, and parents have the final say in shaping what children learn. Yet, this new executive order appears to push that boundary, if not outright ignore it.
Trump’s Push for “Patriotic Education”
The executive order includes several provisions aimed at reshaping how American history is taught. Among them:
- Reviving the 1776 Commission, originally launched at the tail end of Trump’s first term, to promote a patriotic interpretation of U.S. history.
- The creation of a “Presidential 1776 Award” to recognize students with strong knowledge of the American founding.
- Bi-weekly lectures on America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, broadcast nationwide to reinforce principles of “patriotic education.”
On the surface, some of these ideas are not inherently problematic. Most Americans would agree that schools should instill a strong understanding of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers, and the values that shaped the nation. However, the executive order goes beyond encouragement—it flirts with direct government involvement in curriculum decisions.
The Fine Line Between Guidance and Control
Federal influence in education should ideally remain in the form of advice, incentives, or support for high academic standards, not mandates. There are numerous areas where Washington could play a productive role:
- Encouraging states to raise academic standards and hold schools accountable for results.
- Reforming Title I and IDEA to support school-choice initiatives, making funding more flexible for families.
- Rolling back excessive federal regulations that burden schools without improving education outcomes.
However, when it comes to curriculum, federal involvement crosses a legal and philosophical line. Schools should not be forced into a particular historical or ideological framework—whether from the left or the right.
The best education policies allow local leaders to decide what works for their communities, while still ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and fact-based education.
A Bigger Education Debate Looms
This executive order also highlights a deeper tension within Trump’s second-term agenda: Will the administration minimize federal involvement in education or weaponize it? Early signals suggest both approaches are in play.
There is talk of dismantling the Department of Education, yet at the same time, this order represents a strong federal push into curriculum matters.
At a time when the U.S. education system faces real challenges—declining test scores, struggles with literacy and math, and widening achievement gaps—the focus should be on improving student outcomes, not politicizing curriculum debates.
While Trump’s desire to push back against ideological trends in education is understandable, the law is clear: Curriculum decisions belong to states, local school districts, teachers, and parents—not Washington, D.C.
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