President Donald Trump unveiled a set of executive orders that could have a wide-ranging impact on higher ed.
President Trump’s directives restructure the accreditation system, bolster the standing of HBCUs, scrutinize foreign donations to higher education research and tackle AI in the workforce and classroom.
The following article is a part of University Business’ ongoing coverage of President Donald J. Trump’s impact on higher education during his second term in office. Click here for the latest updates.
Trump goes after higher education accreditation system in executive order
The first order allows the federal government to suspend or terminate an accreditation body that performs poorly in examining an institution’s student outcomes, academic merit or accountability.
Underperforming graduation rates, negative returns on investment on bachelor’s degrees and a focus on DEI are evidence of accreditors’ failure to ensure quality, the administration contends in a White House fact sheet.
“Unfortunately, accreditors have not only failed in this responsibility to students, families, and American taxpayers, but they have also abused their enormous authority,” Trump’s executive order stated.
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The order also directs the “Attorney General and Secretary of Education to investigate and take action to terminate unlawful discrimination by American higher education institutions, including law schools and medical schools.”
In reaction to the order, the Council on Regional Accrediting Systems has proposed that the administration pursue a negotiated rulemaking process instead.
“While we firmly reject President Trump’s mischaracterization of accreditors’ role in the nation’s postsecondary education system, we stand ready to work with the Secretary of Education on policies that will advance our shared mission of enhancing quality, innovation, integrity, and accountability,” the council said in a statement.
HBCUs receive support from Trump
Trump’s second executive order seeks to improve HBCUs’ access to federal and state grants, improve their ability to attain R&D funding and invite strong collaboration between college and university leaders and the White House.
“HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of the United States while producing many leaders in business, government, academia and the military,” a fact sheet read.
Limiting ‘foreign influence’ on higher education research
A third executive order from Trump’s White House requires higher education institutions to immediately disclose any foreign funding they receive.
“Undisclosed foreign funding raises serious concerns about potential foreign influence, national security risks, and compromised academic integrity,” the order reads. “President Trump is ending secrecy surrounding foreign funding in higher education to protect students, research, and the marketplace of ideas.”
A college or university’s “non-compliance” with such disclosure requirements may result in the revocation of certain federal grant funds.
Focusing on federal workforce programs
Another executive order aims to enhance support for apprenticeships and workforce training in skilled trades, specifically targeting industries focusing on AI.
“After decades of leadership by so-called ‘Experts’ making wrong predictions on what the future will hold, President Trump will restore focus on sectors and programs that Made the American Economy Great in the first place,” a White House fact sheet read.
The secretaries of labor, commerce and education will issue a report within 90 days of the executive order to investigate how four-year degrees from a higher education institution can embed alternative credentials into their programs that can be mapped to the specific skill needs of prospective employers.
Empowering teachers and students with AI skills
While mostly K12 oriented, this executive order instructs the Education Department to enhance AI literacy and proficiency among younger students by integrating AI into education, offering comprehensive teacher training, and encouraging early exposure to AI concepts and technology.
Its primary goal is to develop an AI-ready workforce, directing multiple federal agencies to find funding sources for AI training for students and teachers.
