Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Oklahoma state judge dismisses lawsuit challenging election-denial curriculum standards — An Oklahoma state judge dismissed the lawsuit challenging the social studies standards, ruling that curriculum approval falls within the discretionary authority of the state board and constitutes a political matter beyond judicial review. The dismissal cleared the way for the standards to take effect in fall 2025, despite plaintiffs' evidence that board members were unaware of last-minute additions including election denial language and that the final version was never publicly posted or reviewed during the required comment period.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr unilaterally appoints eight new members to CDC vaccine advisory panel (ACIP) — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr unilaterally appointed eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing 17 previous members. The new chair, Dr Martin Kulldorff, was fired from Harvard for refusing COVID-19 vaccination. The first meeting revealed conflicts of interest disclosure gaps, agenda changes removing a COVID-19 booster vote, and the formation of two new working groups to re-examine vaccine schedules and long-approved vaccines—issues historically promoted by anti-vaccine advocates.
• RFK Jr fires all 17 career members of vaccine advisory panel and appoints ideological replacements — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr unilaterally dismissed all 17 career scientists and CDC-vetted members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June 2025 and replaced them with eight ideological allies, including vaccine skeptics and medical professionals with limited vaccine expertise. One newly appointed panelist subsequently withdrew after a government financial review and public disclosure that the secretary's claims about the panelist's university affiliations were false. The action consolidated Kennedy's control over vaccine recommendations that shape national policy and insurance coverage.

Supporting reports

• Trump proclaims Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, 2025 — President Trump issued Proclamation 10922 on April 23, 2025, designating April 20–27, 2025, as Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust. The proclamation honors the six million Jewish victims and other groups persecuted by Nazi Germany, commemorates the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation, and acknowledges recent anti-Semitic incidents in the United States. The proclamation directs federal action against anti-Semitic harassment in schools and colleges, including removal of resident aliens who violate laws, and pledges investigation and punishment of anti-Semitic discrimination in universities.
• Trump proclaims National Park Week and announces National Garden of American Heroes monument — President Trump issued Proclamation 10921 designating April 19–27, 2025, as National Park Week. The proclamation celebrates national parks as sources of inspiration and education, references the restoration of Mount McKinley's name, and announces creation of a National Garden of American Heroes monument honoring 250 American patriots. The proclamation ties park preservation to patriotic education and the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday.
• Trump proclaims National Volunteer Week, April 20–26, 2025 — President Donald J. Trump issued Proclamation 10923 designating April 20–26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week. The proclamation honors Americans who volunteer their time and talents in service to communities and the nation, celebrating volunteerism as central to American life. It calls upon all Americans to observe the week by volunteering in service projects and pledging to make service part of their daily lives. The proclamation was signed April 23, 2025, and published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2025.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14277 establishing White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education and directing federal agencies to develop K-12 AI curricula, teacher training, apprenticeships, and a Presidential AI Challenge. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14277 on April 23, 2025, establishing a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The order directs federal agencies to develop public-private partnerships for K-12 AI literacy resources, issue guidance on using federal education grants for AI instruction, create teacher professional development programs, expand AI-related registered apprenticeships, and establish a Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge to highlight student and educator achievements. Implementation deadlines range from 90 to 120 days.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14278 directing comprehensive review and expansion of federal workforce development programs and registered apprenticeships. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14278 on April 23, 2025, directing the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to review all federal workforce development programs within 90 days and submit a report identifying ineffective programs, consolidation opportunities, and strategies to align training with reindustrialization needs. The order also directs submission of a plan within 120 days to expand Registered Apprenticeships to reach 1 million new active apprentices and improve transparency on program performance outcomes including earnings and employment data.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14280 rescinding equity-based school discipline guidance and directing Education Department to issue new discipline guidance within 30 days. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14280 on April 23, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to issue new guidance to schools within 30 days regarding school discipline and Title VI compliance, explicitly rejecting what the order characterizes as "discriminatory equity ideology" in discipline policies. The order rescinded 2023 guidance from the prior administration that encouraged schools to analyze racial disparities in discipline data. It also directs the Secretary of Defense to revise military-family school discipline codes within 60 days and requires a comprehensive 120-day report on discipline-related Title VI investigations and non-profit organizations promoting equity-based approaches.
• Trump signs Executive Order 14281 eliminating disparate-impact liability in federal civil rights enforcement — President Trump signed Executive Order 14281 on April 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to eliminate use of disparate-impact liability across all civil rights enforcement contexts. The order revokes prior presidential approvals of Department of Justice Title VI regulations, instructs agencies to deprioritize enforcement of statutes containing disparate-impact standards, and requires the Attorney General and other agency heads to review and modify pending investigations, consent judgments, and regulations within 30–90 days to align with the new policy of merit-based, colorblind administration.
• Trump signs Executive Order 14283 establishing White House Initiative on HBCUs — President Trump signed Executive Order 14283 on April 23, 2025, establishing a White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) housed in the Executive Office of the President and led by a presidentially designated Executive Director. The Initiative will coordinate with federal agencies, private sector, and philanthropic organizations to strengthen HBCU institutional capacity, infrastructure, and student outcomes. The order revokes Executive Order 14041 from September 2021 and directs the EPA to terminate the HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council within 14 days.
• Trump signs executive order on foreign funding disclosure at American universities — President Trump signed Executive Order 14282 directing the Secretary of Education to robustly enforce Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, requiring universities to disclose foreign funding sources and purposes. The order mandates the Department of Education reverse prior administration actions that permitted secrecy regarding foreign funds, require more detailed disclosure, increase public access to foreign funding information, and hold institutions accountable for non-compliance. Federal funding eligibility is made contingent on certification of compliance with foreign funding disclosure requirements.
• Trump signs executive order reforming higher education accreditation standards — President Trump signed Executive Order 14279 directing the Secretary of Education to reform accreditation standards for colleges and universities, specifically targeting "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) requirements in accreditation. The order instructs the Secretary and Attorney General to investigate and terminate unlawful discrimination by law schools, medical schools, and graduate medical education programs, and to assess suspending or terminating accreditor status. It mandates new accreditation principles focused on student outcomes, intellectual diversity, and high-value education, while reducing barriers to institutional innovation and streamlining accreditor recognition processes.
• Trump signed executive orders targeting universities on diversity and foreign gifts — On April 23, 2025, Trump signed executive orders targeting universities, addressing foreign gifts and directing federal enforcement of disclosure laws on large donations and college accreditation. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated the administration would look at "those who have real merit" and examine universities not enforcing merit standards. The orders continue Trump's crackdown on diversity and inclusion efforts in higher education.
• Trump signs executive orders targeting university diversity, accreditation, and foreign gifts — On Wednesday, President Trump signed multiple executive orders directing federal enforcement of foreign gift disclosure laws at universities, empowering the education secretary to hold accreditors accountable through denial or termination of recognition, and investigating alleged "unlawful discrimination" in higher education. The orders frame diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards as violations of federal civil rights law. Trump also signed a separate order establishing a White House initiative on historically Black colleges and universities to promote affordability and retention. The administration has simultaneously cut billions in university funding and detained international students in retaliation for activism.
• Trump issued executive order establishing White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education — President Trump signed an executive order on April 23, 2025, establishing a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education to promote AI literacy among American youth. The order directs federal agencies to develop public-private partnerships for K-12 AI resources, enhance teacher training in AI, establish a Presidential AI Challenge, and expand registered apprenticeships in AI-related occupations. Implementation timelines range from 90 to 120 days for various agency actions.
• Trump issued executive order on skilled trade workforce development — President Trump issued an executive order on April 23, 2025, directing the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to review federal workforce development programs within 90 days and submit a comprehensive strategy to align training with reindustrialization needs. The order also mandates a plan within 120 days to expand Registered Apprenticeships to reach 1 million new active apprentices, improve transparency on program outcomes, and identify alternative credentials to four-year degrees aligned with employer skill demands.
• Trump issues executive order establishing White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities — President Trump signed an executive order on April 23, 2025, establishing a White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), housed in the Executive Office of the President and led by a designated Executive Director. The order directs the Initiative to work with federal agencies, private-sector employers, foundations, and educational associations to increase HBCU capacity, strengthen institutional planning and fiscal stability, upgrade infrastructure, and provide professional development opportunities in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. The order revokes Executive Order 14041 from September 2021 and directs the EPA to terminate the HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council within 14 days.
• Trump issues executive order reforming higher education accreditation standards and investigating DEI requirements — President Trump issued an executive order on April 23, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to reform accreditation standards for higher education institutions and hold accreditors accountable for what the order characterizes as unlawful discrimination through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements. The order instructs the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to investigate and take action against law schools, medical schools, and graduate medical education programs that enforce DEI-based accreditation standards, and authorizes suspension or termination of accreditor recognition. The order also mandates new accreditation principles focused on student outcomes and institutional quality without reference to race, ethnicity, or sex.
• Trump issues executive order requiring transparency on foreign funding to American universities — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on April 23, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to enforce Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires institutions to disclose foreign funding sources. The order mandates robust enforcement, reversal of prior administration actions that permitted secrecy, more detailed disclosure requirements, public access to foreign funding information, and accountability measures including audits and potential withholding of federal grants for non-compliance. Trump cited a prior study showing universities failed to disclose over half of reportable foreign gifts from 2010–2016.
• Trump issues executive order rescinding equity-based school discipline guidance and directing new federal guidance on race-neutral discipline policies. — President Trump signed an executive order on April 23, 2025, directing the Department of Education and Department of Justice to issue new guidance to schools within 30 days regarding school discipline and Title VI civil rights protections. The order characterizes prior 2014 and 2023 federal guidance on racial disparities in student discipline as "discriminatory equity ideology" and directs agencies to prevent schools from using race-conscious discipline policies. It requires a 120-day report assessing discipline-related Title VI investigations since 2009 and model discipline policies aligned with "American values and traditional virtues."
• Trump issues executive order restricting disparate-impact liability in federal civil rights enforcement — President Trump signed "Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy" on April 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to deprioritize enforcement of disparate-impact liability under civil rights statutes including Title VI, Title VII, and the Fair Housing Act. The order revokes prior presidential approvals of DOJ regulations permitting disparate-impact claims, instructs the Attorney General to repeal or amend implementing regulations across all agencies within 30 days, and requires agencies to reassess pending investigations and consent judgments relying on disparate-impact theory within 45–90 days and take "appropriate action" consistent with the order's policy.
• President Trump issued proclamation designating Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, April 20–27, 2025 — President Trump issued a proclamation on April 23, 2025, designating April 20–27, 2025, as Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust. The proclamation honors the six million Jewish victims and other groups persecuted by the Nazi regime. It references an executive order directing federal action against anti-Semitic harassment in schools and colleges, including removal of resident aliens who violate laws, and commits to investigating anti-Semitic discrimination in universities.
• President Trump issued proclamation designating National Park Week, April 19–27, 2025 — President Trump signed a proclamation on April 23, 2025, designating April 19–27, 2025, as National Park Week. The proclamation celebrates national parks as sources of inspiration, education, and recreation, and references the administration's actions to restore names to parks (including returning Mount McKinley to its former name) and the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes honoring 250 American patriots. The proclamation encourages Americans to learn about the natural and historical heritage of national parks.
• President Trump issued proclamation designating National Volunteer Week, 2025 — The White House issued a proclamation on April 23, 2025, designating April 20–26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week. The proclamation honors volunteers across the country who serve in soup kitchens, shelters, schools, hospitals, and religious organizations. It calls upon all Americans to observe the week by volunteering in service projects and pledging to make service part of their daily lives.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14278 on workforce development and skilled trades training — President Trump signed Executive Order 14278 directing the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to review all Federal workforce development programs within 90 days and submit a report identifying opportunities to consolidate, streamline, and redirect fragmented programs toward skilled trades and reindustrialization. The order also directs a 120-day plan to expand Registered Apprenticeships to reach 1 million new active apprentices and mandates improved transparency on program performance outcomes including earnings and employment data.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14279 reforming higher education accreditation standards — President Trump signed Executive Order 14279 on April 23, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to reform accreditation practices in higher education. The order states that accreditors have "abused their enormous authority" by approving low-quality institutions and imposing "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) standards. It directs the Secretary to hold accreditors accountable for unlawful discrimination, investigate law schools and medical schools for DEI-based accreditation requirements, and establish new accreditation principles focused on student outcomes without reference to race, ethnicity, or sex. The order also directs resumption of recognition for new accreditors and streamlined processes for institutions to change accreditors.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14281 eliminating disparate-impact liability in federal civil rights enforcement — President Trump signed Executive Order 14281 on April 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to deprioritize enforcement of civil rights statutes and regulations that rely on disparate-impact liability theory. The order revokes prior presidential approvals of Department of Justice Title VI regulations, instructs the Attorney General to repeal or amend implementing regulations across all agencies, and requires agencies to reassess pending civil rights investigations, lawsuits, and consent judgments within 45–90 days to align them with the order's policy. The order states that disparate-impact liability "mandates, rather than proscribes, discrimination" and claims it violates the Constitution and equal protection principles.
• Trump signed executive order eliminating disparate-impact liability in federal enforcement — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed an executive order eliminating the use of disparate-impact liability across federal agencies. The order directs agencies to deprioritize enforcement of statutes and regulations containing disparate-impact provisions, instructs the Attorney General to repeal or amend Title VI racial nondiscrimination regulations that contemplate disparate-impact liability, and orders review of pending investigations, lawsuits, and consent judgments relying on disparate-impact theory. The fact sheet characterizes the order as restoring "merit-based" opportunity and "equal treatment."
• White House Initiative on HBCUs established by executive order — President Trump signed Executive Order 14283 establishing a White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, housed in the Executive Office of the President and led by a presidentially designated Executive Director. The Initiative is tasked with increasing private-sector engagement in HBCU institutional development, infrastructure upgrades, workforce preparation, and research funding competitiveness. The order also establishes a President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs in the Department of Education and revokes Executive Order 14041 from September 2021, along with directing termination of the EPA's HBCU and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council within 14 days.
• White House issues fact sheet on AI education executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on April 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to advance AI education and workforce development for American youth. The order establishes a White House Task Force on AI Education, chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to coordinate a Presidential AI Challenge, develop public-private partnerships for K-12 AI education, and direct federal agencies to prioritize AI training in grant programs and workforce initiatives. The fact sheet states the order directs the Secretary of Labor to increase AI apprenticeships and the Secretary of Education to prioritize AI in teacher training grants.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order establishing HBCU Initiative — The White House published a fact sheet on April 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day establishing a White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), housed in the Executive Office of the President. The order creates a President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education and directs the Initiative to prioritize private-sector partnerships, workforce preparation in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance, and to address barriers to federal and state grant funding. The fact sheet states the Initiative will convene an annual White House Summit on HBCUs.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order mandating foreign funding disclosure by universities — The White House published a fact sheet on April 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Secretary of Education to require universities to disclose foreign funding sources and purposes, reverse prior administration actions that permitted obscuring such details, and work with the Attorney General to enforce compliance through audits and investigations. The fact sheet states that federal grant funds may be revoked for non-compliance and claims the prior administration had weakened oversight of foreign funding in higher education.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order reforming higher education accreditation — The White House published a fact sheet on April 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that directs the Secretary of Education to overhaul the accreditation system for higher education institutions. The order states it will hold accreditors accountable through denial, monitoring, suspension, or termination of recognition; directs investigation of alleged unlawful discrimination by institutions; and mandates accreditation realignment around student outcomes, intellectual diversity among faculty, and program-level data without reference to race, ethnicity, or sex. The fact sheet claims accreditors have failed to ensure quality and have imposed discriminatory diversity standards.
• White House issues fact sheet on school discipline executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on April 23, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump on school discipline policies. The order directs new guidance to educational agencies emphasizing compliance with Title VI protections and requiring discipline based on "objective behavior, not DEI." The fact sheet characterizes prior Obama-era guidance as having pressured schools to equalize disciplinary rates by race, and claims the Biden Administration "weaponized" Title VI. The order requires a report analyzing DEI-based discipline and proposing model policies.
• White House issues fact sheet on workforce training executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on April 23, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Commerce to review and modernize federal workforce programs. The order states it aims to prepare workers for skilled trades and emerging industries, with a stated goal of supporting more than 1 million apprenticeships per year. The fact sheet claims the order addresses a projected shortage of skilled tradespeople and redirects federal workforce investment away from traditional higher education toward apprenticeships and career-technical training.
• White House signed Executive Order 14277 establishing AI education task force and initiatives — The White House signed Executive Order 14277 on April 23, 2025, directing the establishment of a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The order directs federal agencies to develop public-private partnerships for K-12 AI resources, create a Presidential AI Challenge, enhance educator training in AI, and expand AI-related registered apprenticeships and workforce development programs. Implementation deadlines range from 90 to 120 days.
• White House signed executive order on foreign funding disclosure at universities — President Trump signed Executive Order 14282 directing the Secretary of Education to enforce Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires universities to disclose foreign funding sources. The order states that universities failed to disclose more than half of reportable foreign gifts from 2010–2016, and claims the prior administration undermined investigations. It directs the Secretary to reverse prior actions permitting secrecy, require more detailed disclosure, increase public access to foreign funding information, and hold institutions accountable for non-compliance, including through withholding federal grants.
• White House signed executive order on school discipline policies — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Education and Department of Justice to issue new guidance within 30 days requiring schools to apply discipline policies without regard to racial disparities, characterizing prior guidance as promoting "discriminatory equity ideology." The order directs the Secretary of Education to take enforcement action against schools failing to comply with Title VI, requires coordination with state officials within 60 days, mandates a Department of Defense school discipline code revision within 90 days, and requires a comprehensive report within 120 days assessing discipline-related Title VI investigations since 2009 and recommending model policies.
• Trump rolled back school discipline guidance on racial bias — Trump rolled back guidance on school discipline that addresses racial bias, which was introduced by Barack Obama in 2014. Trump had previously removed the guidance during his first term, but Biden reinstated it in 2023. The rollback eliminates protections against racially disparate discipline in schools.
• Trump signed executive order overhauling college accreditation system — Trump signed a series of executive orders, including an overhaul of the accreditation system for colleges and universities to prevent "unlawful discrimination and ideological overreach" through DEI-related policies and standards. The order targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education.
• Trump signed order eliminating disparate-impact liability — Another executive order sought to eliminate "disparate-impact liability" – the legal theory that policies that appear neutral but disproportionately harm marginalized communities can still be considered discriminatory – from federal civil rights enforcement. The move prompted backlash from advocates.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders dismantling of US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Department of Education, raising concerns about the management of student debt. The department will see a 50% staff reduction but will continue to handle student loans and Pell Grants. This move has sparked uncertainty among borrowers and criticism from education advocates who fear it will lead to mismanagement and reduced access to education funding. The administration claims critical functions will remain, but doubts persist about the department's capacity to manage its responsibilities effectively.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US education secretary, Linda McMahon, to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move is seen as an attempt to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department. The order instructs McMahon to take necessary steps to shut down key functionalities of the department, although major programs like Title I and the federal student loan program are not immediately affected. The action has been criticized by Democrats as unconstitutional and harmful to low-income families relying on federal education funding.
• Trump signed executive order to dismantle Department of Education — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, a move that would require congressional approval to be legally enacted. The order proposes significant cuts to educational funding, including the elimination of programs for students with disabilities and those who speak English as a second language. The order also targets Pell Grants and federal financial aid for low-income students. The action has been criticized as illegal by various officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who announced plans to challenge the order in court.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of education authority to states and local communities. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, ordering the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order directs the Secretary to ensure effective delivery of services during transition and mandates that any federal education funding recipients terminate programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order frames federal education control as failed policy and proposes returning functions to states.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education — On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. Trump stated "My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good." The order appears to attempt circumventing the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department.
• Trump issues executive order to close Department of Education — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move aims to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close the department. Trump justified the decision by citing the department's increased budget without corresponding improvements in national test scores. The executive order has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue it could jeopardize federal funding for low-income families and negatively impact public education.
• President Trump signed executive order directing closure of Department of Education — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the closure of the Department of Education and the return of educational authority to states and local communities. The order mandates the Secretary of Education to facilitate this transition while ensuring the continued delivery of educational services. The order criticizes federal control over education and aims to empower parents, states, and communities to improve educational outcomes. It also emphasizes compliance with federal law and administration policy, particularly regarding programs labeled as "diversity, equity, and inclusion."
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on education authority devolution — President Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to begin the process of permanently closing the Department of Education and returning education authority to the states. The order states the department has spent over $3 trillion "with virtually nothing to show for it." The White House release compiled statements of support from governors, senators, representatives, state education officials, and advocacy organizations, all framing the action as returning control to states and parents.
• White House signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of authority to states and communities. — The White House published a fact sheet on March 20, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Secretary of Education to facilitate closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to states. The fact sheet states the order also directs that programs receiving remaining Department of Education funds will not advance DEI or gender ideology. The document asserts federal education spending has failed to improve student achievement and cites declining standardized test scores.
• Trump signed executive order dismantling Department of Education — The White House issued Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order states that federal education spending has failed to improve outcomes, citing low reading and math proficiency rates. It directs the Secretary to ensure federal funds comply with Administration policy, including termination of programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order does not establish a timeline or mechanism for closure.
• White House issued release on education policy framing — Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, a congressionally-created department, eliminating the federal agency responsible for education policy and student aid.
• — The White House published a release titled "On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better" asserting that the Department of Education has spent $3 trillion since 1979 with no measurable improvement in student achievement. The release cites declining math and reading scores, flat standardized test performance, and U.S. ranking 28th among OECD countries in math. It states the Trump Administration's plan will return education to individual states to expand educational freedom and reduce federal regulation and paperwork.
• — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the US Department of Education. This move has been met with significant opposition from teachers' unions and Democratic politicians, who argue that the department plays a crucial role in upholding civil rights protections and providing federal funds to schools. The American Federation of Teachers has indicated plans to challenge the order in court. The order cannot fully eliminate the department, as it was created by Congress and requires congressional action to be dissolved.

Supporting reports

• DOJ dismisses four Biden-era civil rights lawsuits against police and fire departments — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice dismissed four lawsuits filed under the Biden administration against police and fire departments in Durham (North Carolina), Maryland State Police, Cobb County (Georgia), and South Bend (Indiana). The Biden DOJ had alleged discrimination in hiring practices involving written exams, physical exams, and credit checks. The Trump administration characterizes the dismissals as ending "discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives" and prioritizing "merit" over "race-based" hiring standards.
• DOJ ordered to dismiss DEI lawsuits — Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the DOJ's Civil Rights Division to dismiss DEI lawsuits that accused police and fire departments of using discriminatory hiring tests. This order raises concerns about the enforcement of civil rights laws.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on America's 250th Birthday — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14189 to establish the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday. The task force will plan and execute celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026. The order reinstates previous executive orders related to monuments and the National Garden of American Heroes, emphasizing protection against vandalism and expanding the list of honored figures.
• Executive Order on K-12 Education Policy — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14190, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," on January 29, 2025. The order aims to eliminate federal funding for K-12 education programs that promote gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President's Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order mandates the development of an "Ending Indoctrination Strategy" by the Secretaries of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to ensure compliance with federal laws protecting parental rights and prohibiting discrimination.
• Trump issues executive order to end "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2025, aimed at ending what he describes as "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schooling. The order directs federal agencies to develop strategies to eliminate federal funding for educational practices deemed illegal or discriminatory, particularly those related to gender ideology and equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order emphasizes protecting parental rights and enforcing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws in education.
• White House signed executive order on K-12 education framing certain curricula and policies as "radical indoctrination" — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling" directing federal agencies to develop a strategy within 90 days to eliminate federal funding for what the order characterizes as "gender ideology" and "discriminatory equity ideology" in K-12 schools. The order defines these terms broadly to encompass curricula addressing race, sex, and gender identity. It directs the Secretary of Education to reestablish the 1776 Commission to promote "patriotic education" and instructs the Attorney General to coordinate with state and local prosecutors to enforce laws against school officials. The order asserts that certain school practices violate Title VI, Title IX, FERPA, and the PPRA.
• Trump signs executive order on critical race theory and gender ideology — President Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut federal funding from schools that teach critical race theory or gender ideology. This order could impact educational content and restrict academic freedom in schools across the country.