Federal Shift Returns School Selection Power to States and Families

President Trump used a Rose Garden gathering on August 25 to stress that his administration is moving education authority away from Washington and back to the states and local communities. He said the federal government will no longer dictate curriculum or school policies, allowing parents, teachers and local leaders to decide the best path for each child.

"Critical race theory and transgender‑related programs are being removed, and parents are getting decision‑making back," Trump asserted. The shift is reinforced by the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which includes the Education Freedom Tax Credit and expands 529 savings.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon explained that six states will receive a new "Returning Education to State" exemption, freeing more than $10 billion from federal oversight. Twenty‑five other states are already using existing authority to roll back federal mandates that affect thousands of school districts.

"Decisions that once sat in the hands of D.C. officials are now where they belong – with educators, parents, and local officials who understand their children best," McMahon said.