Trump Signs Executive Order Overhauling College Accreditation System

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at reforming the college accreditation process, a significant move in his ongoing education agenda. The directive seeks to alter the federal government’s role in determining which colleges and universities can access vital federal funding.

The executive order specifically instructs the U.S. Secretary of Education to hold higher education accreditors accountable. According to a White House official, this includes monitoring their performance and potentially terminating them for poor practices or violations of the federal Civil Rights Act.

The order represents a strategic effort from Trump’s Domestic Policy Council, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, to reshape how higher education institutions operate. This initiative follows a recent $2.2 billion funding freeze on Harvard University, marking an escalating conflict over issues of academic freedom and federal oversight.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon was present at the signing in the Oval Office, which occurred at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The order’s provisions highlight an emphasis on promoting intellectual diversity and improving metrics for student success. It will also make it easier for schools to change accrediting agencies or for new agencies to gain recognition.

Currently, approximately 60 accrediting agencies are recognized by the Department of Education, playing a crucial role in determining access to over $120 billion in federal financial aid annually. Loss of accreditation can financially cripple institutions, as funding is tied directly to these approvals.

Critics of the existing accreditation system argue it stifles competition and allows poorly performing institutions to persist without accountability. In contrast, supporters maintain that these agencies uphold essential academic standards.

The executive order reflects longstanding conservative calls for more accountability in higher education, coinciding with rising tensions between the administration and elite universities. The administration has previously announced funding cuts to several Ivy League schools over concerns related to campus practices.

As this new executive order unfolds, legal challenges are expected from universities and civil rights organizations, which may argue that the order exceeds executive authority or undermines educational standards.