Trump to dedicate $500 MILLION from slashed DOE funds to historically black colleges

The Trump administration announced Monday that it plans to direct $500 million in new funding to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges. The administration is also redirecting money for initiatives such as $137 million for American history and civics education and an additional $60 million for charter schools, according to a report by The New York Times.

The administration will pay for the changes by cutting various parts of the education budget. The White House has requested a 15 percent budget cut to the Department of Education next year, as President Trump has previously expressed support for permanently closing the department.

The biggest cut includes $350 million to programs for minority students in science and engineering programs, as well as schools with significant Hispanic enrollment and other grants intended for minority-serving institutions. Additionally, the administration has cut money from gifted programs that it argues use racial targeting in recruitment.

“Today, the Department is making three massive investments – redirecting financial support away from ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success. We are proud to make the largest investment in the Charter Schools Grants Program in the Department’s history, support American history programs that will inspire young people to be active and informed citizens, and recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities’ historic contributions to improving education and opportunity in our country,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “The Department has carefully scrutinized our federal grants, ensuring that taxpayers are not funding racially discriminatory programs but those programs which promote merit and excellence in education. The Trump Administration will use every available tool to meaningfully advance educational outcomes and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed in life.” 

The decision continues Trump’s pattern of prioritizing HBCUs, following his first-term actions of securing more than $250 million in annual funding and forgiving over $300 million in federal relief loans for these schools. In April, Trump signed an executive order to create a White House position to oversee a new Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, though that role has yet to be filled.