The Trump administration is urging a shift of education control from the federal government to states and local communities, arguing that federal spending has not improved pupil achievement sufficiently. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the approach would expand parental influence and school choice, while President Trump linked it to removing what he described as ideological influence from classrooms.

The Department of Education cited $3 trillion in taxpayer investment and national results showing roughly three in 10 pupils proficient in reading and maths, though the article does not independently assess these claims. Officials have promoted the policy through local radio appearances and McMahon’s 50-state tour, alongside efforts to downsize the department and transfer some functions, including aspects of student-loan operations, to the Treasury. The proposed Education Freedom Tax Credit, due to begin on 1 January 2027, would offer taxpayers up to $1,700 in dollar-for-dollar credits for donations to approved scholarship organisations.