The U.S. Department of Education is urging parents nationwide to demand that education decisions be returned to state and local leaders. A department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that more than $3 trillion of taxpayer money has been poured into the federal agency, yet only three out of ten students are proficient in reading and math on national assessments.
Federal funding, poor outcomes
“Despite $3 trillion in taxpayer investment in a federal Department of Education, only 3 in 10 students are proficient in reading and math,” the spokesperson said. The message is being delivered directly to families through a two‑week radio tour by Education Secretary Linda McMahon and other senior officials, who called into local stations across the country.
Returning control to states and parents
Secretary McMahon, a former businesswoman and mother, framed the effort as a “hard reset” for American education. She said the administration is restoring parental rights, empowering states to lead, and removing ideology from higher education. McMahon has pledged to dismantle the Department of Education, describing it as a “pass‑through” for federal funds rather than a curriculum‑setting body.
During a 50‑state tour, McMahon met with families in towns and cities from coast to coast, emphasizing that parents—not Washington bureaucrats—should guide their children’s learning. “As a mother and grandmother, I know we only get one chance to help our children reach their God‑given potential,” she told Fox News Digital.
President Trump backs school‑choice agenda
President Donald Trump reinforced the education‑freedom push at a White House back‑to‑school event. Speaking alongside McMahon, Trump warned that massive federal outlays have not improved student performance and that families need more options. He pledged to eliminate what he called “far‑left extremism” from classrooms and highlighted the upcoming Education Freedom Tax Credit, which will allow taxpayers to claim a dollar‑for‑dollar credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to approved scholarship‑granting organizations starting January 1, 2027.
Agency restructuring and loan program changes
The administration also announced an inter‑agency agreement moving student‑loan operations from the Department of Education to the Treasury Department. The Treasury will now handle collection on defaulted federal student loans and support efforts to return borrowers to repayment. This follows nine similar partnerships over the past year as the administration works to downsize the department.
Critics have warned that the shift could reduce oversight and consumer protections, but the Trump administration argues that the move streamlines operations and reduces federal bureaucracy.
Implications for families and schools
Parents across the nation are being encouraged to explore school‑choice options such as charter schools, voucher programs, and private‑school scholarships funded by the new tax credit. The administration says these measures will increase competition, improve accountability, and give families the freedom to select environments that align with their values and educational goals.
State education officials are expected to develop implementation plans, and many are already drafting legislation to expand charter authorizations and voucher eligibility. The push also includes a call to remove “woke” curricula, particularly policies that conceal pediatric gender treatments from parents.
Looking ahead
As the Trump administration continues its “education freedom” campaign, the coming months will see a flurry of state‑level proposals, local radio outreach, and legislative hearings. Families who prioritize parental involvement and faith‑based instruction are being asked to stay engaged, voice their preferences, and take advantage of new tax‑credit opportunities when they become available.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
