The Department of Education, under the Trump administration, has rapidly introduced a series of changes that could fundamentally reshape public education across the United States. In a remarkably short period of just eight months, new political appointments and policy adjustments have signaled a significant departure from traditional schooling, affecting everything from how schools operate to what children are taught.
This sweeping transformation has understandably raised concerns among educators and families who view public education as a cornerstone of their communities. With a clear emphasis on expanding private and religious education options, the department is actively pursuing policies that challenge the established public school system.
An in-depth investigation by ProPublica reveals that many of these changes are already taking effect in public schools, institutions that the current administration frequently criticizes as underperforming or overly ideological. Let’s delve into five key ways the Education Department is altering public schools and understand why these developments are so important for every family.
1. Encouraging a Shift Away from Public Schools
Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Trump have been strong advocates for expanding school choice, notably through tax-funded vouchers designed to help families transition children out of public schools. A new federal tax credit program, set to launch on January 1, 2027, will further empower parents to enroll their children in private or religious institutions.
Furthermore, the department has encouraged school districts to redirect federal funds, originally designated for disadvantaged students, toward private providers for various services. Public school leaders are raising alarms that this trend is siphoning off critical per-pupil funding. “Millions of young Americans are trapped in failing schools, subjected to radical anti-American ideology,” McMahon stated shortly after assuming office, according to ProPublica. Lindsey Burke, an adviser connected to The Heritage Foundation and co-author of Project 2025’s education chapter, has openly expressed a desire for government-run schools to eventually become a relic of the past.
2. Significant Cuts to Essential Federal Funding
The department has systematically cut hundreds of millions of dollars from grants that support vital programs, including those for mental health professionals and teacher training. Their 2026 budget proposal suggests consolidating 18 existing grant programs into a single block grant of $2 billion for states. This represents a substantial reduction of approximately $4.5 billion compared to if the grants remained separate. Overall, the Trump administration plans a 15% cut to federal education spending for the 2026 fiscal year.
3. Promoting Conservative Christian Values in Education
Taking a firm stand against what it perceives as ‘liberal indoctrination,’ the department is championing policies that align with conservative Christian values. This includes opposing protections for transgender students and restricting specific materials related to sexuality. The Education Department has endorsed Trump’s executive order affirming there are “two sexes, male and female” and has announced initiatives to safeguard the right to prayer in public schools, as reported by ProPublica. Meg Kilgannon, a prominent advocate for Christian leadership in education, has been appointed as a senior adviser within the department.
4. Advocating for Patriotic Curriculum Choices
While the department maintains that curriculum decisions primarily rest with local communities, it has strongly promoted patriotic education and civics lessons designed to present American history in an “inspiring” light. The administration advises states to avoid educational materials that might instill “intrinsic guilt” in white students regarding historical injustices. Additionally, parents have received support in withdrawing their children from classes they deem objectionable, particularly those featuring LGBTQ+ themes.
5. Weakening Civil Rights Protections for Students of Color
The department’s Office for Civil Rights has actively challenged programs intended to support Black and Hispanic students. It has launched investigations into school districts for offering lessons on systemic racism and organizing student empowerment events, contending that such efforts are discriminatory against white students. The office has also targeted districts with policies that allow transgender girls to participate in girls’ sports and use related facilities, threatening severe penalties, including the loss of federal funding and intervention from the Department of Justice.
These comprehensive changes initiated by the Department of Education signify a profound transformation in the landscape of US public education. Families nationwide should be prepared for the potential effects as schools adapt to new policies, shifting funding mechanisms, and evolving cultural directives.