Executive Order on AI in Education

April 23, 2025

President Donald Trump’s April 23, 2025 executive order on artificial intelligence in education directs federal agencies to integrate AI into schools. The order’s goal is to prepare American youth for an AI-driven future and maintain U.S. technological leadership (Trump's Latest Draft Executive Order Seeks to Integrate AI Into K-12 Education).

Key Provisions

• White House AI Education Task Force:
  A new task force, chaired by the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and including the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and others, will coordinate federal efforts to promote AI literacy and proficiency in schools.

• Teacher Training and Grants:
  The Education Secretary is directed to prioritize federal grants for teacher training in AI, supporting professional development so educators can integrate AI into all subject areas and use AI tools for administrative tasks.

• Student Opportunities:
  The order encourages the creation of AI courses and certification programs for high school students, aiming to prepare them for future workforce demands.

• Public-Private Partnerships:
  The task force is instructed to develop partnerships with industry, academia, and nonprofits to provide AI resources and support for K-12 education.

• Presidential AI Challenge:
  The order establishes a national competition to recognize student and educator achievements in AI and to promote innovation in educational technology.

• Workforce Development:
  The Labor Department is tasked with expanding AI-related apprenticeship programs and encouraging states to use federal workforce funds for AI skills development.

Expert Commentary

• John Bailey (American Enterprise Institute):
  Bailey noted the order reflects the administration’s focus on U.S. competitiveness in AI, especially in response to similar moves by China. He said it comes at a crucial time, as schools need to harness technology to help students catch up in math and reading. However, Bailey cautioned that limited federal resources and possible state resistance could hinder implementation1.

• Pat Yongpradit (Code.org/TeachAI):
  Yongpradit called the order’s focus on AI literacy and critical thinking “positive,” but stressed that true AI literacy must go beyond just using AI. Students should learn to interact, collaborate, and design responsibly with AI. He emphasized the need for high-quality professional development for teachers1.

• Joseph South (ISTE+ASCD):
  South was encouraged by the order’s contents but wants more support for education leaders, not just teachers. He observed that past efforts often overlooked leaders, which is a gap he hopes the order will address1.

• Will Scharf (White House staff secretary):
  Scharf described the order as essential for preparing the future workforce, emphasizing that it’s about national competitiveness and equipping students with needed AI skills2.

• Education Secretary Linda McMahon:
  McMahon said the order is vital for aligning classrooms with workforce demands, as AI is transforming every sector. She highlighted the importance of preparing students to leverage AI throughout their professional lives3.

Consensus & Controversy: There is broad agreement that equipping students with AI skills is crucial for future readiness, but debate persists over ethics, equity, and execution. Short term, the order may spur new curricula and teacher training initiatives; long term, it aims to create an AI-ready workforce.