Trump Signs Executive Orders to Reform Higher Education Oversight
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed two major executive orders aimed at reshaping the higher education landscape, focusing on increasing transparency in foreign funding and overhauling the accreditation system for colleges and universities. The measures are part of a broader policy initiative to shift educational institutions away from what the administration describes as “woke ideology” and towards measurable performance and accountability.
Mandatory Disclosure of Foreign Donations
One of the executive orders mandates that universities disclose all significant foreign donations and gifts. Institutions receiving large financial contributions from foreign sources will be required to report detailed information, with the intent of increasing transparency regarding international influence on academic institutions.
“Colleges must provide more information regarding funds received from overseas sources,” the order states.
This move comes amid growing concerns over foreign influence in U.S. academia and the potential impact on educational independence and national security.
Accreditation Based on Student Outcomes
The second executive order introduces changes to how colleges and universities are evaluated and accredited. The administration aims to make student outcomes, such as post-graduation performance and employment success, the primary criteria for accreditation rather than ideological factors.
A White House official explained that the goal is to ensure universities deliver value and uphold civil rights standards.
“We want to make sure universities are doing their job and treating all students fairly,” said a White House official, referring to the new evaluation standards.
Under the new rules, accrediting agencies that continue to approve underperforming institutions or fail to enforce legal compliance may risk losing their federal authority.
Legal Oversight on Discrimination in Higher Education
Alongside these policy shifts, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education will be directed to investigate reports of discrimination or civil rights violations, especially in professional fields such as law and medical schools.
The administration emphasizes that the goal is to protect all students, regardless of background, and ensure equal treatment within federally funded institutions.
Broader Strategy to Reform Higher Education
These executive orders are part of a larger initiative led by Trump’s Domestic Policy Council, guided by Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and others. The strategy reflects a wider push to restructure higher education to reflect accountability, transparency, and merit-based outcomes.
Just a week earlier, the Trump administration had made headlines by freezing $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University, citing similar concerns over oversight and fair use of taxpayer funds. That decision sparked widespread debate on the balance between government control and academic independence.
Ensuring Responsible Use of Public Funds
Education Secretary Linda McMahon attended the official signing ceremony in the Oval Office. The White House underscored that these steps are aimed at ensuring responsible use of public resources in education.
“These moves are meant to hold universities accountable and ensure taxpayer funds are spent appropriately,” said a senior administration official.
With these changes, the Trump administration signals a new approach to how colleges are funded, evaluated, and held responsible for their performance, marking a significant shift in federal higher education policy.
