United States President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders on Wednesday aimed at increasing oversight and accountability in higher education. The first directive orders federal agencies and departments to investigate universities for failing to disclose large foreign gifts, as required under U.S. law. The move seeks to enforce transparency in financial relationships that could pose national security or ethical concerns.

“Universities must disclose who is funding them, especially when it’s from abroad,” Trump stated while signing the order. The administration emphasized the importance of understanding where university resources originate, especially in a global environment with increasing geopolitical tensions.

The second executive order introduces substantial changes to the university accreditation process. The measure will shift focus toward measurable merit and academic results, applying not only to undergraduate institutions but also to law schools and other graduate-level programs. The order signals a shift away from bureaucratic standards and toward performance-based evaluations.

“We want our students to graduate with real value and competitive skills, not just paperwork,” Trump said. He noted that accreditation agencies should reflect whether institutions deliver on outcomes that matter to students, employers, and taxpayers.

Both actions align with the Trump administration’s broader education agenda, which stresses accountability, transparency, and return on investment in public and private universities. The White House believes these reforms will help restore public trust in American higher education and ensure institutions are aligned with national interests and workforce needs.

Critics of the measures have argued that such policies could politicize education and create burdens for universities, while supporters view them as overdue steps toward making academia more accountable and results-driven.