WASHINGTON — Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued a national call to action to university leaders Monday, urging every postsecondary institution to publish a statement outlining reform commitments by the end of 2026.
In an open letter addressed to university presidents and governing boards, McMahon asked institutions to detail their commitments to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research and national service—principles the administration frames as foundational to American universities.
"Americans' trust in universities has reached record lows," McMahon said in the letter, adding that higher education institutions have "drifted from the principles that built up so much" of their foundation.
University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod helped the Trump administration craft the specific language of the letter, shaping the request for universities to adopt a set of core principles. The administration steered clear of divisive topics in an effort to secure broader institutional engagement.
McMahon's letter also referenced the work of Yale University's committee on institutional reform, which has explored ways to strengthen the core mission of higher education.
The directive applies to all United States postsecondary institutions, from large research universities to smaller colleges. Each institution must decide how to articulate its public statement and which specific changes it plans to implement.
The Trump administration is seeking to leverage public sentiment over higher education costs and perceived political bias. By framing the issue around "national service," the administration positions itself as an advocate for taxpayer value. Universities that align publicly with these priorities may gain political favor.
The letter avoids direct threats, but institutions that do not publish detailed commitments by the 2026 deadline face potential public scrutiny from the administration. The push could strain relationships between some universities and the Department of Education.
University administrations now have roughly 16 months to draft their public statements, a process that will require internal faculty and board discussions to formulate specific plans. The Department of Education said it will monitor compliance with the deadline.
Secretary McMahon has consistently advocated for reforms she says will restore public confidence in higher education, and the initiative reflects the administration's continued effort to influence national educational priorities.
