President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to halt federal funding for schools and universities that require Covid-19 vaccinations. This move, however, is largely symbolic as many states already have laws in place that do not include the Covid-19 vaccine in their vaccination mandates for students.
Despite the Covid-19 vaccine being recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for both children and adults, several states explicitly prohibit its inclusion in mandatory vaccination requirements. This means that Trump's executive order may not have a significant impact on current vaccination policies in many states.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump had consistently pledged to prevent schools from enforcing Covid-19 vaccination mandates. He reiterated this stance at a rally last August, stating that no federal funding would be allocated to schools with vaccine or mask mandates.
While the Department of Education is expected to enforce Trump's order, its practical implications remain uncertain given the existing state laws regarding vaccination requirements. The executive order reflects Trump's ongoing opposition to Covid-19 mandates in educational settings, but its actual effect on school policies may be limited.
