Washington, D.C. – President Trump signed two executive orders on Wednesday, aiming to reform the college accreditation process and enforce laws concerning foreign gifts to universities. The orders are part of the administration’s efforts to hold universities accountable for their practices and ensure transparency in their operations.

One of the executive orders focuses on changing the accreditation process to prioritize “results” over other factors. President Trump expressed concerns about the math capabilities of students admitted to prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Yale University. The order also calls for greater accountability in disclosing large foreign gifts received by universities, with a specific mention of Harvard as a school under scrutiny for potential violations of the law.

The accreditation of colleges and universities is typically handled by third-party entities, not the federal government. However, the Department of Education plays a role in recognizing accrediting agencies and determining eligibility for federal student aid programs. The new executive order directs the Department of Education to oversee accreditation entities more closely and take action against those that fail to meet recognition criteria or violate federal law.

White House staff secretary, Will Scharf, emphasized the administration’s goal of shifting the focus of accreditation towards tangible outcomes rather than ideological considerations. The executive order also extends to law schools and graduate programs, signaling a broader effort to reform the higher education landscape.

In addition to the accreditation reforms, President Trump’s executive orders address the enforcement of laws regarding the disclosure of foreign gifts to universities. The administration believes that certain institutions, such as Harvard, have not been compliant with these regulations, prompting the directive for federal departments and agencies to ensure enforcement of existing laws.

The tension between the Trump administration and Harvard University escalated recently, with the university filing a lawsuit against the administration over frozen federal funding. The dispute reflects broader challenges facing universities in navigating government policies and expectations regarding funding and compliance.

Overall, President Trump’s actions reflect a broader effort to reshape the higher education landscape, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and a focus on outcomes. The executive orders signal a shift towards more stringent oversight of universities and a push for greater adherence to regulations governing accreditation and foreign gift disclosures.