WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in K-12 schools, a move his administration says is aimed at refocusing American education on fundamental subjects such as math and reading. Schools that continue CRT-related lessons risk losing federal aid.

“The president believes American education should focus on cultivating patriotic citizens who are ready for the workforce,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The executive order follows the release of the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress, which showed reading scores declining and math scores stagnating nationwide in 2024. The White House argues that classroom time should be dedicated to core subjects rather than discussions on race and systemic inequality.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) praised the executive action, arguing that lessons portraying the U.S. as founded on slavery are inaccurate.

“I don’t want that propaganda taught to my kids or any kid in Missouri,” Hawley said.

The administration’s move has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and educators. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) dismissed the order as a political maneuver, stating, “I don’t know a single school in Michigan that teaches critical race theory.” She emphasized that addressing learning loss from the pandemic should be a higher priority.

Federal data indicates that student performance has suffered in the wake of COVID-19, with test scores dropping despite the U.S. spending $190 billion to keep public schools running during the pandemic.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, echoed Slotkin’s concerns, calling for increased support for educators.

“Let’s actually give the teachers the support they need to do the job to help lift up all of America’s children,” Weingarten said.

Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, continue efforts to scale back the Department of Education, arguing for a reduced federal role in local school curricula.