Trump, Musk urge school choice passage in Texas, Wyoming, Idaho

President Trump, Elon Musk and several prominent lawmakers are using their influence to urge states like Texas, Idaho and Wyoming to pass school choice measures.

Trump, a Republican who has made school choice a national priority as he seeks to dismantle the Department of Education and return control of education back to the states, has posted on Truth Social calling for lawmakers in all three states to approve school choice bills.

“Congratulations to Patriot Senator Bo Biteman, of the Great State of Wyoming, for working to pass SCHOOL CHOICE, a top priority of my Administration, putting power where it belongs – PARENTS,” Trump wrote Sunday. “This would be an incredible Victory for Wyoming students and families. Every Member of the Wyoming Senate should vote for HB 199, I will be watching!” 

The measure passed the Wyoming House last month by a 39-21 vote and advanced out of the Senate Education and Appropriations Committees last week. It may still go back to the House if the Senate amends it. The Legislature adjourns March 6. 

The Cowboy State approved a school choice bill last year but Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, vetoed portions to limit it to families earning up to 150% of the federal poverty line. The new measure lifts those restrictions, granting universal access and increases the scholarships from $6,000 to $7,000. The state spends nearly $20,000 per public school student. 

Idaho 

In Idaho, where a $50 million proposed tax credit program would grant families $5,000 to spend on private school or homeschooling materials and expenses, Trump wrote, “Congratulations to Governor Brad Little, and Idaho legislators, who are fighting to bring School Choice to their beautiful State. 

“This bill, which has my Complete and Total Support, MUST PASS!” 

The measure, one of three school choice bills before the Legislature, heads to the Senate after the House approved it 42-28. The legislative session ends April 10. 

Texas 

Texas, the second-largest state, has the potential to create the nation’s largest school choice program with the vote of the Legislature and the stroke of Gov. Greg Abbott’s pen.  

The proposed $1 billion education savings account bill passed the Senate last week but faces a battle in the House, causing Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Elon Musk to weigh in. 

“This session is a tremendous opportunity … to implement one of the most impactful actions the Legislature can take for the future of our state,” Cruz wrote to House Speaker Dustin Burrows. “School choice is the civil rights issue of our time and, quite frankly, a matter of common sense. 

Cruz went on to cite broad support across racial, ethnic and income lines for school choice. Indeed, a 2024 University of Houston poll found most Texans support school choice, including 77% of parents, 73% of Black voters and 71% of rural voters. Even 52% of White Democrats supported choice. 

“Do not be swayed by attempts to compromise or weaken this critical, life-altering legislation. It is also essential that the final bill provide a pathway to expand the program in the future, ensuring every student in Texas has access,” he continued, calling Burrows, a Republican, to resist lies about school choice, such as that it hurts public schools.  

“Evidence from states with school choice programs indicates that public schools improve, student outcomes progress, and school districts become more fiscally responsible when choices are offered. We know that freedom, transparency, and competition yield successful outcomes school choice is the rising tide that lifts all boats.” 

Trump posted last week that he’s “watching” Texas to make sure school choice passes. Burrows said he believes he has the votes to advance the legislation this time. 

Musk, who has been in the headlines for his efforts to cut waste through the Department of Government Efficiency, also weighed in.  

“I hope Dustin Burrows passes school choice in Texas to give kids a chance,” he posted on X, which he owns. “If kids only have one school option and it’s bad, then it’s like they never had a chance at all.” 

Musk moved X, SpaceX and Tesla from California to Texas in part to protest California’s gender identity law, which allows children to change their gender identity without informing parents, and other woke and business unfriendly policies.  

Abbott, a Republican and strong advocate for school choice, agreed with Musk’s post. 

“Exactly. There is no competition without choice,” the governor wrote. “Look forward to working with the Texas House and Senate to get it done.” 

Texas lawmakers have until early April to vote on school choice and other items Abbott dubbed as priority for this session.  

Nationally, school choice bills have been introduced in 11 states this year, including Tennessee, which recently approved a universal choice measure, and Mississippi, where a school choice proposal died in the House. Other states still in play include Kansas, Virginia and North and South Dakota.