President Trump has signed an executive order freeing up federal funds for school choice programs and ordering the creation of guidance on how states can use federal money for K-12 scholarships.  

The signed order, previously confirmed by a White House official, says the Department of Education must prioritize school choice in discretionary grant programs.

The K-12 scholarship programs, commonly referred to as educational savings accounts (ESAs), have been adopted in multiple states over the past few years, allowing those who want to homeschool or send their children to private schools to receive a certain amount of money from the state government.  

The order also affects other government agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, which Trump wants to issue guidance on how states that get block grants for families can use them for educational alternatives.  

The secretaries of Defense and Interior also are ordered to come up with plans on how military families and students attending Bureau of Indian Affairs schools can embrace school choice programs.

“Every child deserves the best education available, regardless of their zip code. However, for generations, our government-assigned education system has failed millions of parents, students, and teachers. This Executive Order begins to rectify that wrong by opening up opportunities for students to attend the school that best fits their needs,” the order reads.  

Trump is fulfilling a campaign promise with this executive order, as he has long been a huge proponent of school choice and promised action on the issue. 

Trump’s nominee to lead the Education Department, Linda McMahon, has yet to face a confirmation hearing, but she plans to focus on the issue of school choice.