As artificial intelligence reshapes classrooms nationwide, a new generation of tech leaders and education innovators has emerged as the driving force behind a transformation that touches nearly every American student. President Donald Trump's executive order signed April 23 establishing a White House Task Force on AI Education has crystallized the influence of key figures steering this intersection of technology and learning.
The executive order positions Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, as chair of the new task force, while David Sacks, Trump's special adviser for AI and cryptocurrency, joins Education Secretary Linda McMahon in coordinating federal AI education initiatives. Their mandate: ensure American students can "use and create the next generation of AI technology" through expanded K-12 curricula and teacher training programs.
The federal initiative arrives as AI adoption in education reaches unprecedented levels. Student usage surged to 92% in 2025, up from 66% the previous year, according to a survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute1. Nearly 90% of students now use generative AI for assessments, compared to 53% in 20241.
This growth reflects broader market dynamics. The global EdTech sector is projected to reach $598.82 billion by 2032, with annual growth exceeding 17%2. TIME and Statista's ranking of the top 350 EdTech companies shows Chinese firms dominating the top positions, led by Codemao, which teaches coding to students as young as six3.
Industry veterans like Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, continue shaping AI's educational applications through real-time teacher feedback systems and adaptive learning platforms4. Meanwhile, newer players such as Squirrel AI and Microsoft's Reading Coach are advancing personalized learning technologies that analyze student strengths and customize content delivery2.
Despite federal backing and market enthusiasm, concerns about equity and preparedness remain. Only 36% of students report receiving institutional support to develop AI skills, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute survey, even as institutions maintain clear AI policies1.
"AI ed tech is going to get a lot messier before it gets better," warned an unnamed expert quoted by Campus Technology. "There are going to be raging debates about whether it is worth it and if we're getting any real value from it"2.
The task force faces a 90-day deadline to launch the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, designed to showcase student and educator achievements while fostering public-private partnerships3. Whether these initiatives can address the growing digital divide while maintaining educational integrity will test the leadership of this emerging tech-education coalition.
