President Trump, Officials Hold Round Table On Reopening Schools Safely

President Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other officials, held a briefing on Tuesday to address the issue of schools reopening this fall. 

Despite spikes in new cases of the coronavirus, the Trump Administration is making an all-out push to reopen schools this fall.

President Trump first addressed the work the administration has done during the COVID-19 pandemic to relieve education, before stressing the necessity of reopening schools.

“To open up America again, we have to open up American schools. We’re going to be putting a lot of pressure to open the schools in the fall," said the president.

The first lady Melania Trump spoke on the importance of well-being for children amidst the pandemic.

“The first pillar of schools reopening is children well-being. The many challenges for children and families can be just as invisible as the virus and just as dangerous,” Melania Trump said.

Vice President Mike Pence echoed Melania’s sentiments and stressed the need for appreciation for the teachers and parents across the country that have adapted quickly to the challenge of online school.

“I want to say how grateful we are to the teachers, especially as I am sitting next to one,” said Vice President Pence. “I would like to invite everyone to show their appreciation for all the parents and the teachers who have continued the work to educate our children.”

Those officials in attendance spanned from across the country and across industries, from healthcare, students, and school leadership.

Mental health and emotional health of children and their families was addressed by all those around the table, initiated throughout the administration’s response by the first lady.

“Children’s mental health and social development must be as much of a priority as physical health, and the same for parents. We must address those needs as well,” Melania Trump said.

Other topics discussed included the digital divide, the economic importance of schools, and stabilizing American society.