The Senate HELP Committee has just advanced Linda McMahon’s nomination for Secretary of Education. The 12-11 party-line vote moves McMahon, a former professional wrestling executive and Trump ally, closer to heading the U.S. Department of Education—a department that President Donald Trump is hoping to upend.
McMahon’s Vision for the Department
At her confirmation hearing, McMahon said she plans to “reorient” the Department of Education. She noted that only Congress can order it to be fully disbanded, but she recommended the transfer of some functions to other agencies. For example, she suggested moving the department’s civil rights functions to the Justice Department.
McMahon vowed to protect federal dollars for programs such as Title I for disadvantaged schools, Pell Grants for college students, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. But she also pledged to withhold federal funding from schools that do not comply with Trump’s executive orders regarding transgender athletes, antisemitism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Discussion and Reaction in Committee
Senator Bill Cassidy, the HELP Committee chair, praised McMahon’s experience leading an organization and said she is ready to reform an education department he thinks has “lost its purpose.”
On the other hand, Democrats expressed doubts. Senator Bernie Sanders admonished that the federal government has a key role in ensuring children receive a quality education and said eliminating the department could damage that mission.
Implications for Federal Education Policy
McMahon’s nomination moves the needle on a potential change in federal education policy. The planned closure of the Department of Education might result in:
- Further Decentralization of Education Oversight: Greater state and local control of education policy.
- Shifting Federal Programs: Moving head federal educational programs to other federal departments.
- Effect on Civil Rights Enforcement: A significant change in educational civil rights oversight.
Next Steps
Now that the committee has approved McMahon’s nomination, it goes to the full Senate for a final vote on confirmation. If confirmed, she would be responsible for carrying out President Trump’s vision for the Department of Education, which includes major reshaping and possible scrapping.
FAQ
What qualifies Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education?
Linda McMahon is the co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She was also the administrator of the Small Business Administration under President Trump’s first term. Her educational background includes a short stint on the Connecticut Board of Education and many years as a trustee at Sacred Heart University.
What programs could be affected if the Department of Education is abolished?
Programs like Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could be transferred to other federal agencies. Changes may also be afoot for the enforcement of civil rights in education.
Does Congress figure into this potential scrapping of the Department of Education?
True, the executive branch can propose reshapes, but the entire erasure of the Department of Education could only come through Congress. McMahon has signaled that she wants to work with Congress to help the administration meet its goals.
What are the pros and cons of breaking up the Department of Education?
Advocates for this turn argue it decentralizes education oversight, empowering local authorities and reducing red tape from the federal government. Critics argue that having a single federal department ensures fair education standards and civil rights protections throughout the states.
How quickly could these changes be implemented if McMahon is confirmed?
The timeline will depend on legislative processes and the crafting of detailed restructuring plans. Some of the immediate changes could be in the enforcement of various policies, but otherwise dismantling would take longer and require cooperation from Congress.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Tell us in the comments what potential changes might mean for you and your community.
