Linda McMahon appeared before the Senate to discuss her potential appointment as the next Secretary of the US Department of Education. The hearing came at a crucial time, with the future of the department uncertain amid ongoing efforts by President Trump to reduce the federal government’s role in education. McMahon, who previously headed the Small Business Administration under Trump, faced scrutiny from Democrats and unions, while Republicans voiced support for her vision of restructuring the education system.
McMahon’s testimony revealed key priorities and proposals for the future of the Department of Education, including protecting Pell Grants, defending Title I funding, and reassessing the department’s role in an evolving educational landscape. The hearing touched on everything from funding distribution to the potential relocation of education programs to other agencies. Below are five key takeaways from the hearing as reported by the Education Week.
Pell Grants and Title I will be protected
One of the most significant points of McMahon’s testimony was her assurance that crucial federal funding programs like Pell Grants and Title I would not be slashed. Despite President Trump’s push to reduce the scope of the Department of Education, McMahon emphasized that these essential programs would remain intact. “I will work to ensure that funds Congress has approved will be distributed properly, and that Pell Grants, which help millions of low-income students, are protected,” McMahon said, as quoted by Education Week. She also proposed expanding Pell Grants to cover short-term vocational certifications, aiming to provide students with skill-based education and quicker paths into the workforce.
Congress-approved federal education funds won’t be blocked
In her testimony, McMahon addressed concerns over President Trump’s freeze on federal funding for education, which had caused confusion and panic among schools. McMahon clarified that, if confirmed, she would ensure that funds already approved by Congress would be released to schools. “We will continue to honor the financial commitments that Congress has made,” McMahon assured lawmakers, according to Education Week. Despite this, she also backed Trump’s efforts to cut waste, citing the cancellation of nearly $900 million in contracts as a means of streamlining the department’s operations.
Potential relocation of several education programs
A controversial proposal brought up during the hearing was McMahon’s suggestion to relocate certain Education Department programs to other federal agencies. She suggested that oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) could move to the Department of Health and Human Services, and the office for civil rights could be shifted to the Department of Justice. While McMahon emphasized that this move would reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency, it raised concerns among Democrats, particularly those focused on special education. “There is a reason the Department of Education exists, especially for vulnerable children,” said Senator Maggie Hassan, as reported by Education Week.
School choice programs will be prioritized
McMahon made her support for school choice clear during the hearing, framing it as a movement to empower teachers and parents. She emphasized that school choice programs could improve education quality and provide more flexibility. However, when pressed by senators, McMahon declined to commit to any specific regulations on private schools receiving federal vouchers. She sidestepped questions about whether private schools should be required to follow federal laws regarding disabilities and religious discrimination. “It’s not for me to decide,” McMahon said, as quoted by Education Week. This remark has stirred debate over the future of public school funding if private institutions receive more federal dollars.
Red Tapism will be reduced
A significant portion of McMahon’s hearing focused on the influence of President Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which calls for reducing federal intervention in education. Some of McMahon’s proposals aligned with the Project 2025 framework, such as moving special education oversight out of the Department of Education. She emphasized that her primary goal would be to reduce red tape and focus on improving teaching outcomes. “My focus would be on getting rid of unnecessary bureaucracy so that we can teach kids the essential skills they need,” McMahon explained, according to Education Week. However, critics argue that shifting education programs to larger departments could lead to neglect of specific needs, particularly for students with disabilities.
Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing provided a glimpse into the future of US education under a potential Trump administration. While she has garnered support for her commitment to protecting vital funding, her proposals to reduce the Department of Education’s role and shift responsibility to other agencies have raised concerns. As the Senate continues to deliberate on her confirmation, McMahon’s vision for the education system remains a focal point in the ongoing debate about the federal government’s role in schooling.