Former President Donald Trump is actively supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s ambitious overhaul of college oversight, a move that’s quickly becoming a focal point in a broader conservative effort to reshape higher education. The collaboration, highlighted by a $1 million investment from Trump’s Education Department into DeSantis’s project, signals a potential red-state revolution in how colleges and universities are accredited and regulated.
The core of the initiative centers on establishing a new accrediting agency, one that proponents say will be more aligned with conservative values. Accreditation is a critical process for colleges, influencing their eligibility for federal funding and impacting student access to financial aid. Currently, accreditation is largely controlled by regional bodies, which some conservatives argue are biased against traditional institutions and conservative viewpoints. This new accreditor aims to challenge that status quo, potentially shifting power dynamics within the higher education landscape.
The project received a significant boost with the $1 million grant from Trump’s Education Department, as reported by POLITICO. This funding underscores the former president’s continued interest in influencing education policy, even after leaving office. The move comes amidst ongoing efforts to dismantle the Department of Education itself, a goal Trump has repeatedly pursued, though Congress has continued to fully fund the agency, according to USA Today.
Trump’s Ongoing Efforts to Reshape Education
President Trump initially ordered the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department in March 2025, arguing that the federal office hasn’t improved student outcomes and that education is best controlled at the state and local levels, as detailed by the Associated Press. Yet, completely closing the department would require an act of Congress, and the White House has acknowledged that some critical functions will be retained. Despite these challenges, the administration continues to pursue its goal of returning education control to the states.
The push to dismantle the Department of Education coincides with a broader conservative critique of higher education, alleging ideological bias and a lack of accountability. DeSantis’s initiative in Florida is seen as a testing ground for these ideas, and Trump’s support suggests a willingness to expand these policies nationally should he return to office. The creation of a new accrediting body aligned with conservative principles is a key component of this strategy.
Florida’s Role as a Pioneer in Education Reform
Florida is at the forefront of this shift, with DeSantis leading the charge to reshape the state’s higher education system. The governor’s project aims to create an alternative to the established accreditation system, offering colleges a pathway to accreditation that prioritizes conservative values. This move has drawn both support and criticism, with advocates arguing it will promote academic freedom and accountability, while opponents fear it will lead to censorship and a decline in educational quality.
Educational advocates in Florida are responding to the potential changes with concern. Norín Dollard, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Florida Policy Institute, expressed worries about potential personnel cuts at the Department of Education impacting students, even with assurances from the president that funding for special education and Title I schools won’t be affected, as reported by Central Florida Public Media. The recent layoffs of hundreds of attorneys and staff from the Office of Civil Rights, who assisted parents in securing appropriate education for children with disabilities, have further fueled these concerns.
The dismantling of the Department of Education, as ordered by Trump, would task Education Secretary Linda McMahon with overseeing the closure and returning education control to the states. However, the order’s implementation faces significant hurdles, including the demand for congressional approval. The potential impact on federal funding for programs like Title I and Pell Grants remains a key point of contention.
What’s Next for Higher Education Oversight?
The collaboration between Trump and DeSantis on college oversight represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over the role of the federal government in education. As DeSantis’s project moves forward, it will likely face legal challenges and intense scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar efforts in other red states, potentially leading to a fundamental shift in the accreditation landscape. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of higher education oversight and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
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