President Donald Trump kicked off the new school year with a celebration in the White House’s Rose Garden, hosting top‑performing students and educators from across the nation on Aug. 24. The event highlighted the administration’s push to reshape K‑12 education.
Trump Vows to End ‘Radical’ Curriculum, Expand School Choice
“There is no job more important than teaching our children to become happy, healthy, proud, productive and flourishing citizens,” Trump declared, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to parental control. He said this priority has guided his agenda from day one.
The president announced bans on critical race theory and transgender ideology in any school receiving federal funding, labeling those teachings as child abuse. He warned that schools ignoring these rules could face legal action.
“We are ending radical left betrayals and putting parents back in charge,” he said, adding that parents, not bureaucrats, should decide their children’s education.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon outlined new policies: limiting district power, returning authority to states, cutting billions from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and expanding education‑freedom tax credits. She said the changes will return authority to states and cut billions from DEI programs.
“Parental rights are being enforced at an unprecedented scale,” McMahon said, adding that this marks a historic shift in federal education policy.
Pastor Caleb Griffith, whose five children benefited from school‑choice scholarships, praised the tax‑credit program for easing his family’s financial burden.
A Jacksonville father who homeschools his five children thanked Trump for extending education credits to home‑school families, noting they support nearly four million students nationwide.
Hubert, who gave only his last name, said the extra resources give families the freedom to meet each child’s needs.
Trump concluded the ceremony with a tour of the South Lawn, showcasing a new helipad and ballroom construction.
