The Trump administration’s plan to upend a preschool program

[The New York Times]

The White House is seeking to strip away standards on health, literacy — and oral hygiene.

View in browser|nytimes.com August 4, 2026 Last year, the White House called the preschool program Head Start “radical” and tried but failed to freeze spending on it. Now, the administration is preparing a major rollback of requirements. Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press Critics say the move is a backdoor way to dismantle the program. → MORE TOP STORIES Two deaths have been linked to cyclosporiasis in Michigan. → Jeanine Pirro has drawn President Trump’s wrath after dropping the Reflecting Pool case. → President Trump said recreation in Bears Ears National Monument was virtually impossible. Documents say otherwise. → Sign up for the On Politics newsletter. It's a pivotal moment for American politics. Join us for 2026 and beyond. Get it in your inbox. If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018