Trump Administration Prioritizes ‘Patriotic Education’ In Federal Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration has announced a new supplemental priority for federal education grants, aimed at promoting what it calls “patriotic education” in American schools. The proposal, unveiled on September 17, marks the fifth such priority under the leadership of US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and will guide future discretionary grant awards by the US Department of Education. 

In a statement, the department said the new priority will be used in grant competitions to promote a “civic education that teaches American history, values, and geography with an unbiased approach.” Secretary McMahon added, “It is imperative to promote an education system that teaches future generations honestly about America’s Founding principles, political institutions, and rich history… to inspire an informed patriotism and love of country.” 

According to the department, “patriotic education” will present American history in a way that is “accurate, honest, and inspiring.” It will emphasize an “uplifting portrayal” of the nation’s founding ideals and highlight the country’s progress, including the “battles fought by civil rights heroes to extend the protections of the US Constitution to all citizens.” 

The initiative comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The proposed priority has been published in the Federal Register and is open for public comment for 30 days before it is finalized. The Education Department stated that it will then influence its grantmaking decisions in civic and history education. (ANI)