Threatens to cut federal funding from schools that don't fully reopen

On July 8, 2020, Trump tweeted that he "may cut off funding" to schools that did not resume in-person instruction that fall, writing, "The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families." In a separate tweet the same day, he said he disagreed with his own administration's CDC on its school-reopening guidance, calling the recommendations "very tough & expensive" and "impractical," and said he would meet with the agency. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and other officials said Trump lacked legal authority over school funding already appropriated by Congress, since school operations are controlled at the state and local level. Vice President Pence subsequently said the administration would seek to tie future COVID-19 relief funding to school reopening.

“The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!” Quote verified against source