Trump strikes down teacher, school regulations

President Trump plopped down in what he called a “child’s desk” Monday afternoon, a fitting setting considering he was about to repeal two Obama-era education rules affecting schoolchildren.

“It’s the smallest desk I’ve ever seen,” the president joked as he traveled from the Oval Office to another room in the White House, where he signed two bills repealing the Education Department’s teacher preparation and school accountability rules.

The teacher preparation regulations included training requirements for educators, and the school accountability rules were meant to gauge schools’ effectiveness.

The rules drew sharp criticism from Republicans, who argued states should have more control over the classroom. This falls in line with the philosophy of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Republicans lawmakers earlier this month voted to strike down the two rules through the Congressional Review Act, which gives them the power to roll back certain regulations. In the Senate, the special procedure prevents the use of the filibuster.

Trump signed the bills Monday, not only eliminating the Obama-era education rules, but also prohibiting future presidents from issuing similar rules.

Repealing these rules will “encourage freedom in our schools,” Trump said.