Trump Crushes Failing Schools

President Trump delivers a powerful victory for parents by proclaiming National School Choice Week, freeing children from failing government schools and restoring family control over education.

Story Highlights

Trump issues proclamation on January 28, 2026, declaring no child should be trapped in failing schools and parents deserve real choices.
Florida becomes the 24th state to opt into the $1,700 federal tax credit for scholarships, unlocking funds for private, charter, and religious schools at no cost to states.
Bipartisan momentum grows with Democratic Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado calling opt-in a “no-brainer,” countering years of leftist education monopolies.
Over 26,000 events nationwide during January 25-31 highlight parent power amid declining test scores and a student achievement crisis.

Trump’s Proclamation Empowers Parents Over Bureaucrats

On January 28, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential proclamation during National School Choice Week, reaffirming commitment to parents’ rights. The statement declares no student should remain trapped in a failing school, and parents deserve more choices, not fewer. This action builds on 2025 achievements, criticizing government-assigned schools as outdated and empowering families to seek better options like charters, private schools, and homeschooling. School choice advocates view this as essential to the American Dream, reversing federal overreach that has stifled innovation and outcomes.

One Big Beautiful Bill Unlocks Nationwide Scholarships

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4, 2025, creating a permanent $1,700 federal tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations. States opt-in to access funds for school choice, including religious and private schools, without spending their own money. Florida joined as the 24th state on January 28, 2026, benefiting over 1.4 million students already in state programs. Nineteen states participated prior, with more like Colorado planning opt-ins. This first nationwide program under Trump’s second term devolves power from Washington to parents and states.

Education Secretary McMahon Leads Expansion Efforts

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon celebrated National School Choice Week, emphasizing education closest to the child. The Department awarded a record $500 million for charter schools in 2025 and signed interagency agreements to accelerate freedom. McMahon highlighted parent demand, with 75% considering school switches for safety, social environment, and specialized needs. Amid a student achievement crisis and declining test scores, these steps address frustrations with woke agendas and fiscal mismanagement in public systems. Bipartisan governors like Ron DeSantis and Jared Polis issue supporting proclamations.

Independent Women’s Education Freedom Center praises the progress. Experts like Neeraja Deshpande note it empowers parents nationwide. Dr. Keri Ingraham calls it accelerating change for children’s lives, while Angela Morabito sees the end of assigned schools. A 2025 survey shows 62% of parents likely to seek new options in 2026, prioritizing family values over government control.

Bipartisan Wins Signal End to Education Monopoly

Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, plans Colorado’s opt-in, stating it would be crazy not to boost donor funds for scholarships. This cross-party appeal normalizes school choice, supplementing state programs at zero cost. Trump’s efforts include Iowa waivers and urging Title I funds for choice, building on first-term charter expansions. Indiana leads innovation, with potential surges in micro-schools and homeschooling. Short-term, low-income families gain immediate scholarships; long-term, it reverses crises by shifting to parent-led education, protecting conservative values against overreach.

Over 26,000 schools and organizations host events through January 31, 2026. The Department released guidance for private school equity and turnarounds. These developments fulfill Trump’s promise to overhaul the Department of Education, restoring individual liberty and traditional principles.