US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday prohibiting federal funding for educational institutions that enforce COVID-19 vaccine mandates, according to a statement from the White House.
The order applies to schools and universities requiring vaccination for in-person attendance to prevent what Trump called “government overreach” in education.
The directive instructs the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services to issue compliance guidelines and report non-compliant institutions.
Trump, who previously reinstated military personnel dismissed over refusing to receive vaccine, said the move upholds parental rights and medical freedom. The decision comes amid ongoing debate in the US over vaccine mandates in education.