In just a few months back in office, President Donald Trump has wasted no time making big moves, especially when it comes to education. From downsizing the Department of Education (DOE) to pulling protections for transgender youth, the Trump administration’s fast-paced changes have people across the country, and at USC, worried. Trojans are paying attention, worrying about what new policies could mean for their future, their schools and the bigger picture of education in the U.S.
Federal Cuts to the Department of Education
One of Trump’s biggest moves so far? A proposal to slash funding for the DOE, with the long-term goal of shutting down the department altogether. The idea is to cut federal influence on education and hand more power to states and parents.
But for students who depend on federal aid, this isn’t just politics — it’s personal.
“The shutdown of the Department of Education poses several risk factors regarding opportunity and the education of students,” said Marina White, a computer science games major.
“One of the things I am most worried about is how this will affect my ability to receive financial aid. If that goes away, there’s a high chance I won’t be able to keep pursuing my education.”
White also pointed out that without national oversight, some states might limit what students are allowed to learn.
“The risk is that more conservative states will bar students from learning about necessary, controversial topics that have shaped our nation’s history,” she said.
School Choice and Vouchers
Another major change: a full-on push for school choice. The Trump administration wants to expand voucher programs and direct more public funds to private and religious schools. They argue that it gives families more options. But critics worry it could leave public schools with even fewer resources.
Some USC students are skeptical. Others see both sides.
“There’s absolutely a need to clean up all of these departments and improve efficiency,” said Tyler Pak, a JD candidate at the USC Gould School of Law. “That being said, I think such drastic, sudden measures will harm a lot of people—and we’ve definitely seen that already.”
He added, “Will the ends justify the means? I’m not sure… but I will say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an administration move this fast.”
DEI Programs
Another early move from the Trump administration was cutting support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs on campuses. The administration has said that DEI efforts are politically biased and divisive. Schools that continue these programs could now risk losing federal funding.
For students like White, it feels like a step backward.
“There poses the risk that the more conservative states will bar students from learning about necessary controversial topics,” she said. “Talking about race, gender, inequality—it matters. That kind of education shapes more informed people, and we need that.”
Protections for Transgender Students
One of the most talked-about decisions so far? Rolling back protections for transgender students under Title IX. Anexecutive order released on January 20, 2025 defined gender strictly by biological sex at birth and declared that the U.S. only recognized two sexes, male and female, undoing previous policies that supported transgender students’ rights.
Trump also signed an executive order on January 28, 2025 aiming to end gender-affirming care to those under 19 years old.
At USC, the response has been mostly concern.
“I can only hope that it’ll ultimately be for the best,” Tyler said, reflecting on the pace of these changes.