WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23, 2025
Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statements after President Trump signed six executive orders to address systemic problems in America’s K-12 and postsecondary education systems:
On promoting transparency for foreign gift requirements:
“Today’s executive order underscores Congressional Republicans’ and the Trump administration’s commitment to promoting transparency and combatting foreign interference in American education. Foreign entities, like the Chinese Communist Party, anonymously funnel billions of dollars into America’s higher education institutions—exploiting these ties to steal research, indoctrinate students, and transform our schools into beachheads in a new age of information warfare.
“In February, the House in a strong bipartisan vote passed Rep. Michael Baumgartner’s DETERRENT Act, much-needed legislation to promote transparency and strengthen foreign gift requirements for American schools. I am glad the Trump administration understands the grave importance of this threat, and I look forward to working with President Trump to protect our students and safeguard the integrity of America’s higher education system.”
On reforming America’s higher education accreditation system:
“I am glad the Trump administration is taking decisive action to reform the college accreditation process. Accreditors are supposed to help develop standards, inform prospective students about the quality of a school, and inform Congress about which schools should participate in federal student aid programs. Unfortunately, this influence has been abused as accreditors increasingly base evaluations on partisan, left-wing ideology instead of outcomes—diminishing free speech or diversity of thought as a result.
“Action on college accreditation is long overdue, and I am glad the Trump administration is working to address the politicization of our higher education system. I look forward to working with President Trump to implement sensible solutions that restore faith in our colleges and universities.”
On protecting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs):
“For over 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role as specific institutions established to ensure that an individual’s background doesn’t prevent them from accessing higher education. I applaud President Trump pushing forward new initiatives to continue this mission.”
On equipping K-12 classrooms for artificial intelligence:
“Modern technology like AI is here to stay—failing to embrace this reality only puts our youth further behind in the world. Our education system needs to help our children meet the changing needs of our workforce. I applaud President Trump’s efforts to bring our nation’s schools into the 21st century and better equip students for future jobs.”
On removing DEI from school discipline procedures:
“The Left’s fixation on ‘disparate impact’ has led to a profound failure in many schools to address disruptions or behavioral problems in the classroom, negatively impacting all students as a result. The Trump administration is restoring common sense in schools by working to remove racialized notions of DEI and saying unequivocally: All students must be treated equally.”
On expanding apprenticeship opportunities:
“We should always strive to expand opportunities for young Americans to get into well-paying jobs—not limit them. Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris administration slashed programs like employer-led apprenticeships in favor of union-run ones as a favor to union leaders. Such misguided actions stripped our workers of opportunities to connect with programs capable of equipping Americans with the skills they need to succeed in the modern workforce—putting our workers last.
“President Trump’s executive order is another clear sign of his steadfast support of expanding apprenticeship programs to help workers prosper. Committee Republicans are ready to work alongside this administration to help young workers thrive.”
