Trump cracks down on ‘woke’ schools, banning critical race theory and gender ideology while reviving ‘patriotic’ curriculum

In a decisive move aimed at reshaping the American education landscape, President Donald Trump signed a groundbreaking executive order on January 29, 2025, addressing what his administration describes as the "radical Agenda & Theme Development indoctrination" of children in K-12 schools while promoting “patriotic education.” The order targets what it calls "anti-American ideologies" infiltrating classrooms, promising a major overhaul in how US schools approach curriculum, values, and parental involvement. This policy shift, which comes at the beginning of Trump's second term, aligns with his long-standing criticisms of the US education system, accusing it of fostering left-wing ideologies.
Ending radical indoctrination
The executive order outlines a clear agenda to combat what President Trump views as the rising tide of indoctrination in schools, particularly with ideologies rooted in gender theory and divisive concepts like "discriminatory equity." The order charges that such ideologies encourage students to view themselves as either victims or oppressors based solely on their race, gender, or other immutable characteristics. It further criticizes schools for pushing students into gender transitions without parental consent or involvement, stating this undermines parental rights and endangers children.
The new executive action mandates that schools receiving federal funding cease these practices. It directs federal agencies to devise strategies to prevent funding from supporting curricula that promote what the administration terms "subversive" ideologies, including gender-based identity politics and race-focused divisions. Schools must now uphold legal standards that respect both parental oversight and civil rights protections, including Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Controversy over critical race theory
Critical race theory (CRT) has become a central point of debate in American education, especially in the context of recent executive actions under President Trump. CRT is a framework that examines the ways in which racism is embedded in laws, systems, and institutions. However, as reported by the Associated Press, critics of the theory argue that it fosters division, focusing on racial identity as the primary lens through which to view societal issues. The Trump administration’s executive order on K-12 education calls for a ban on teaching CRT and other related subjects, arguing that such topics are “inherently racist.” The order specifically condemns the teaching of material that emphasizes racial divisions, such as the idea that students must view themselves as victims or oppressors based on race.
While supporters of CRT say it is vital for understanding the impact of historical and institutional racism, critics, including those within the Trump administration, view it as an effort to "indoctrinate" children with divisive ideologies. As quoted by the Associated Press, Trey Walk, a human rights advocate, points out that denying students knowledge of systemic racism undermines efforts to eradicate it. The tension surrounding CRT reflects broader political divides, with conservative lawmakers and parents pushing back against what they perceive as left-wing educational overreach, while civil rights groups argue that restricting such discussions stifles crucial dialogue about race and history in the United States.
Reviving patriotic education
A central feature of the executive order is the reestablishment of the President's Advisory 1776 Commission. Originally created under President Trump's earlier term and disbanded by his successor, the commission will now oversee a renewed focus on teaching American history in a patriotic light. The commission will promote a curriculum that underscores the nation's founding principles, its historical development, and the enduring value of its democratic ideals.
The 1776 Commission will oversee the creation of educational programs designed to recognize students' knowledge of the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Revolutionary War. It will also coordinate efforts to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026, fostering national pride through public lectures and other civic initiatives.
Ensuring parental rights and national unity
The executive order further emphasizes the need to protect parental rights. The Trump administration insists that schools must prioritize transparency, ensuring parents are informed about the content their children are taught, and safeguarding against secretive practices related to social gender transitions. By taking a firm stance against divisive educational content, the order aims to restore unity and trust between schools and American families.
This historic shift in US education policy marks a significant realignment in how public education addresses core values, focusing on fostering patriotism and respect for parental authority while rejecting what the administration considers harmful ideological overreach.
A vision for the future
As the administration prepares to implement these sweeping changes, it is clear that President Trump's new executive order seeks not only to alter the educational landscape but also to restore what his team views as a core aspect of American identity: unity under a shared national narrative.
Read the Executive Order here