On Monday, President Trump reportedly gave orders to immediately cease former First Lady Michelle Obama‘s “Let Girls Learn” program.
Obama started the initiative, run primarily by the Peace Corps, in 2015 to give girls in developing nations more educational and healthcare opportunities. Last year, it brought in more than $1 billion in pledges for programs in 50-plus countries.
“Moving forward, we will not continue to use the Let Girls Learn brand or maintain a stand-alone program,” read an email from Peace Corps acting director Sheila Crowley to employees, according to CNN. “‘Let Girls Learn’ provided a platform to showcase Peace Corps’ strength in community development, shining a bright light on the work of our Volunteers all over the world. We are so proud of what ‘Let Girls Learn’ accomplished and we have all of you to thank for this success.”
The Trump administration also announced on Monday that it is rolling back Obama’s school lunch guidelines. In his first big move as agriculture secretary, Sunny Perdue said the requirements, like nonfat milk and low-sodium meals, are too strict.
Update 7:21am CT, May 2: After CNN broke the news of “Let Girls Learn” ending based on an internal memo and conversations with unnamed sources, the White House said the program remains “unchanged.” The State Department also denied any changes to the program.
.@statedeptspox: There have been no changes to the #LetGirlsLearn program. We are committed to empowering women and girls around the world.
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 2, 2017
H/T the Hill
