Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen is raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s education policies. He believes Trump’s decisions are harming public education and criticized the appointment of Linda McMahon to head the U.S. Education Department.
Recently, Trump signed several executive orders aimed at enhancing school choice. These orders suggest that parents should have the main say in their children’s education, rather than the government. The White House claims this approach will help eliminate what they call “radical indoctrination” in schools and will help combat anti-Semitism.
Some advocate that Trump’s moves could even lead to dismantling the Education Department, which could change the education landscape in America significantly. Demonstrators gathered outside the Capitol to voice their concerns, emphasizing the importance of quality education for all children, no matter their background.
Van Hollen, alongside Rep. Susie Lee, supports new legislation to ensure proper funding for Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Title I provides essential financial help to schools with high levels of low-income students, and IDEA ensures free public education for children with disabilities.
Van Hollen also questioned McMahon’s qualifications for the education position, noting that she had previously claimed to have a degree in education but did not actually earn it. Although she has served on an education board and as head of the Small Business Administration, critics argue her education experience is lacking.
Leaders from major teachers’ unions joined Van Hollen in opposition. Becky Pringle, from the National Education Association, vowed that the administration’s negative approach wouldn’t change their commitment to students. Fedrick Ingram, from the American Federation of Teachers, labeled Trump as a “bully,” emphasizing that schools need support, not disruption.
Ingram’s message was clear: educators require resources and backing, not policies that undermine their efforts. The ongoing debate reflects deep divisions over the future of education in America.
