U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new supplemental priority for federal education grants, designed to support "patriotic education" in schools across the country.

The initiative, rolled out on Wednesday, is the fifth supplemental priority under Education Secretary Linda McMahon and will shape how the Department of Education decides on discretionary grants.

According to the Department, this priority will be applied in grant competitions to strengthen civic education that covers American history, geography, and values in an unbiased way.

"In the American system, educated citizens who know their rights and embrace their responsibilities cooperate to build a more perfect Union," said US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "It is imperative to promote an education system that teaches future generations honestly about America's Founding principles, political institutions, and rich history. To truly understand American values, the tireless work it has taken to live up to them, and this country's exceptional place in world history, is the best way to inspire an informed patriotism and love of country."

The announcement comes as the nation looks toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, with the Department signalling that it will support curricula that reflect both America’s accomplishments and its continuing efforts toward equality and justice.

The Department explained that Patriotic education is meant to present history in a way that is accurate, honest, and uplifting. It highlights the country’s founding principles, the progress made in living up to them, the struggles of civil rights leaders to extend constitutional protections to every citizen, and the belief that commitment to America’s values remains both meaningful and justified.

The proposed priority has been listed in the Federal Register, where the public has 30 days to comment. Once finalised, it will guide future decisions on civic and history education grants, the Department of Education said.