President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday halting federal funds for schools that mandate students to be vaccinated against coronavirus before attending classes in person. The Trump administration has taken steps to eliminate coronavirus vaccine requirements at the federal level, including for green card applicants, and reinstated service members discharged for refusing the vaccine. Trump was accompanied by members of his Cabinet in the Oval Office for this important decision. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the choice to vaccinate should be left to the parents of a student. The executive order was initially reported by Breitbart News.
As of now, Covid vaccines are no longer obligatory in K-12 schools nationwide, according to health policy research organizations Immunize.org and the National Academy for State Health Policy. During his campaign, Trump promised to withhold funding from schools that enforce vaccine and mask mandates for students, vowing not to allow Covid mandates in schools. This proposal raised concerns about funding for schools in states where most students are required to be immunized against diseases like measles and polio. A Trump spokesperson clarified that his focus was specifically on Covid vaccines.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s health secretary, is a prominent figure among vaccine critics, advocating for increased scrutiny of vaccines under the banner of “vaccine safety.” While allies of Kennedy see him as a proponent of vaccine safety, critics view him as anti-vaccine. Kennedy, after overcoming resistance from some members of Congress, was sworn in with a commitment to address a chronic disease epidemic while ensuring continued vaccine access for Americans. In his first interview post-inauguration, Kennedy reiterated his commitment but expressed his intention to closely monitor vaccine side effects.
During the signing of another executive order in the Oval Office to establish a new energy council, Trump emphasized the importance of ramping up domestic oil and gas production. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned that these actions signal an effort to dismantle what he termed as “the nanny state,” citing that excessive regulations hamper U.S. energy production. Trump also highlighted a pipeline project aimed at reducing prices in New York and other regions.
Additionally, Trump revealed his willingness to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed an interest in visiting in the near future. Commenting on a speech by Vice President JD Vance in Europe that stirred controversy regarding migration and freedom of speech, Trump lauded it as “very good” and “brilliant.” Regarding the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Trump indicated that the outcome hinges on the decisions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing uncertainty over the truce. Trump expressed his expectation for Hamas to release hostages by a specific deadline, showcasing his strategic approach to diplomacy and peace negotiations.
