Trump Nominee Proposes Radical Reforms: Could Education Department Transform Rather Than Close?

Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, listens to questions from Senators during her confirmation hearing in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2025.

Credit: Allison Bailey/NurPhoto via AP

Linda McMahon, nominated to be Secretary of Education, addressed U.S. senators about the future of the Department of Education. She assured them that there are no plans to close the department or cut its approved budget.

However, she mentioned the possibility of moving some programs to other departments, like shifting the Office of Civil Rights to the Justice Department. Senator Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, raised concerns about funding during the two-hour hearing. He asked if states and localities would still receive their federal funds if the department was downsized.

McMahon responded affirmatively, insisting that the president’s goal was not to defund programs but to operate them more efficiently. This aligns with Trump’s longstanding goal to shrink the department, which he has called a “con job.”

It’s important to note that any closure of the department would require action from Congress, as it was established in 1980. McMahon promised to work within the law if confirmed.

At 76, McMahon co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and served as its president and CEO for three decades. She also had a brief tenure as the Small Business Administration administrator under Trump and served on the Connecticut State Board of Education for a year in 2009. However, her experience in education is limited.

During the hearing, Democratic senators focused on her education experience. Senator Patty Murray pressed McMahon about requirements for schools to show improvement under the Every Student Succeeds Act. McMahon couldn’t provide a clear answer.

The senators also inquired about Trump’s plan to redirect federal funds to states as block grants, his emphasis on parental school choice, and proposals to cut funding for colleges that allow transgender athletes in women’s sports. McMahon’s stance reflected support for continued federal funding for low-income students and those with disabilities, though she suggested looking at where such support is best managed.

McMahon characterized education in the U.S. as a “system in decline.” She emphasized the need to focus on essential skills like reading and math and suggested investing in teachers instead of bureaucrats. She expressed commitment to continue funding initiatives that support disadvantaged students but said she would explore whether these programs belong within the Department of Education or other government sectors.

During the hearing, some Democrats accused her of being disingenuous about her commitment to funding. For example, while the hearing was ongoing, Republicans in the House were discussing drastic cuts to education funding, raising further concerns about future support for schools.

While McMahon spoke in favor of auditing programs for waste and efficiency, some senators worried about the implications of these audits on funding that Congress has allocated. Senator Chris Murphy highlighted the confusion surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and what could potentially violate executive orders related to them.

As the hearing wrapped up, it seemed likely that McMahon would receive Senate approval, though the vote could go mostly along party lines.