Washington, August 25: President Donald Trump announced that his administration has achieved the largest expansion of school choice in American history. He emphasized that parents should have the right to select schools that align with their values and beliefs for their children.
During a ‘Back-to-School’ event at the White House Rose Garden, Trump addressed students, parents, and teachers, stating that his government is transferring control of education from Washington back to states and families.
“We want every parent to have the power to send their child to a great school that shares their values,” Trump said.
He also referenced the Education Freedom Tax Credit included in the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,’ which he signed into law on July 4, 2025. This initiative offers a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to nonprofit organizations providing educational scholarships. These scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and other essential educational expenses at public, private, or religious schools.
Trump labeled this initiative as the most significant expansion of school choice to date, noting that it also broadens the scope of 529 education savings accounts.
The annual withdrawal limit for educational expenses from kindergarten through 12th grade has been increased to $20,000. Furthermore, these accounts can now be utilized for private schools, religious schools, and homeschooling.
“For the first time, families can use their 529 accounts to support homeschooling,” Trump stated.
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon indicated that this tax credit could benefit over 50 million eligible children. She asserted that children belong to their parents, not the federal government. Through the Education Freedom Tax Credit, President Trump has initiated the largest national expansion of educational freedom in history, granting parents unprecedented freedom to choose the best educational path for their children.
McMahon revealed that six states have been granted the ‘Returning Education to State’ exemption for the first time, freeing over $100 million from federal control. She noted that 25 states are already using existing rights to reduce federal regulations on thousands of school districts.
According to McMahon, “The important decisions that were once in the hands of Washington D.C. officials are now returning to where they belong—teachers, parents, and local leaders who understand children best.”
During his address, Trump criticized the education policies of the previous administration. He stated that his government has eliminated programs related to critical race theory and transgender issues, restoring primary decision-making authority to parents regarding education.
“We are giving responsibility back to parents. Decisions should be in their hands,” Trump asserted. He added that the Educational Freedom Tax Credit will provide children access to services essential for success during their early and most critical years.
Trump has long advocated for reducing the federal government’s role in education and granting more authority to states and local administrations. He mentioned that an executive order he signed last year initiated the process of dissolving the federal education department.
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