Trump Administration Moves to Strip ABA Law School Accreditation

The U.S. Department of Education is moving to strip the American Bar Association (ABA) of its federal recognition as the accreditor for approximately 200 law schools. In a 500-page report released Friday, career staffers recommended against renewing the ABA's authorization, which expires later this year. The department alleges the ABA is out of compliance with federal regulations because its accreditation wing lacks sufficient independence from its role as a professional trade group.

President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers have further accused the ABA of using its position to promote a liberal political agenda and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Assistant Secretary of Education David Barker characterized the current accreditation system as operating like a cartel that lacks competition and allows political ideologies to influence its work. Undersecretary Nicholas Kent added that the system is antiquated and contributes to inflated tuition costs.

Loss of federal recognition could prevent law schools from receiving federal financial aid and may disqualify graduates from taking the bar exam. Melissa Hart, chair of the ABA’s Accreditation Council, maintains that the organization complies with all federal laws and remains focused on producing competent, ethical attorneys.

The recommendation will be reviewed by an independent, bipartisan advisory committee in September. If the recognition is withdrawn, the final authority for appeals rests with Education Secretary Linda McMahon. This move follows a period of escalating conflict, including ABA lawsuits against executive orders targeting law firms and the Justice Department's decision to stop funding attendance at ABA events.