President Donald Trump shocked the educational system on Friday with his bold executive order halting federal funds for schools that mandate student coronavirus vaccination prior to attending classes in person. The Trump administration has already taken measures to eliminate coronavirus vaccine requirements at the federal level, including for green card applicants, and has reinstated service members discharged for refusing the vaccine. President Trump, flanked by members of his Cabinet in the Oval Office, emphasized that the decision to vaccinate should be left to the discretion of the student’s parents, as stated by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The executive order was initially disclosed by Breitbart News.
Presently, Covid vaccines are no longer compulsory in K-12 schools nationwide, according to reputable health policy research organizations Immunize.org and the National Academy for State Health Policy. During his campaign, Trump pledged to withhold funding from schools that enforce vaccine and mask mandates for students, asserting that he would not permit schools to impose Covid-related regulations. This proposal raised concerns regarding funding for schools in states where immunization against diseases like measles and polio is mandatory, but a Trump spokesperson clarified that the focus was on Covid vaccines.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s health secretary and a prominent vaccine critic advocating for enhanced vaccine scrutiny to ensure “vaccine safety,” was sworn in this week. Despite facing resistance from some members of Congress, Kennedy promised to uphold Americans’ access to vaccines while addressing the chronic disease epidemic. In his first post-appointment interview, Kennedy reiterated his commitment and indicated a plan to closely monitor vaccine side effects.
During the Oval Office session, Trump addressed questions and signed an additional executive order to establish a new energy council, with Cabinet members endorsing the initiative aimed at boosting domestic oil and gas production. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick praised the moves as efforts to reduce excessive regulations hindering U.S. energy output. Trump highlighted a pipeline project intended to lower prices in New York and beyond, and mentioned an upcoming meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Regarding a speech by Vice President JD Vance in Europe that stirred concern over its content on migration and freedom of speech, Trump commended it as “very good” and “brilliant.” On the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Trump highlighted the pivotal role of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in determining the outcome, expressing uncertainty over the truce. Trump revealed discussions with Hamas regarding the release of hostages, emphasizing a deadline for action.
