Trump Signs Order to Strengthen College Accreditation Standards

In a significant move to exert pressure on U.S. universities, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 23 that seeks to enforce stricter standards for college accreditation. This order is particularly important as accreditation is essential for institutions to qualify for billions in federal student financial aid.

During an Oval Office event, Trump announced this measure alongside six other education initiatives. These initiatives range from promoting artificial intelligence skills in the educational system to enhancing vocational training for various trades. The administration has already suspended hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for multiple universities, urging them to implement changes in their policies while citing their inadequate efforts to combat antisemitism on campus. Notably, Harvard University is currently suing the administration due to this funding freeze.

Although the federal government does not act as a direct accreditor for universities, it does regulate the private organizations that provide accreditation. This process is critical for colleges seeking federal student loans and grants. Trump has frequently criticized accrediting bodies for approving institutions that do not deliver high-quality education, and this sentiment is reflected in the new executive order.

The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to enhance accountability among accrediting organizations in regards to the poor performance and civil rights violations of the schools they assess. According to a White House fact sheet, this could lead to restrictions on or revocation of accreditation rights for those organizations that fail to uphold proper standards.