Last week, President Trump made a surprising statement in the Oval Office about his nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon. He suggested that she should “put herself out of a job.” This comment raised eyebrows since it hinted at the president’s desire to eliminate the Department of Education entirely.
McMahon, known for her background in professional wrestling and previous role leading the Small Business Administration, is poised to face tough scrutiny in her upcoming Senate confirmation hearing. She will discuss major issues like funding for schools and educational choices, even though she has little hands-on experience in education.
Despite her strong ties to Trump and her ability to manage large organizations like WWE, McMahon has kept quiet about the administration’s plans to dismantle the Education Department. This is a tricky position for her, considering the department oversees crucial federal funding for schools that serve low-income students.
The prospect of closing the Education Department raises significant questions. While the president can propose such actions, only Congress has the power to approve them. Many Republicans depend on the agency to provide funding for education in their districts, making it uncertain if they will support Trump’s proposal.
In recent weeks, the Education Department has faced turmoil. There have been sudden suspensions of employees and shifts in leadership, all amid attempts by the Trump administration to reshape the federal bureaucracy. Additionally, a task force spearheaded by Elon Musk has caused disruptions within the department. They have notably affected the education research division while also facing legal challenges regarding student privacy.
Despite these challenges, new appointees in the department are pushing forward with conservative agendas. They are looking into policies surrounding gender-neutral bathrooms and reassessing financial aid for nonbinary students. This suggests a shift in focus towards certain ideological priorities.
McMahon’s upcoming confirmation hearing will shine a light on these issues and the overall direction of the Education Department. It seems likely that she will be confirmed by the Republican-majority Senate, but the hearing itself should provide valuable insights into her plans and the challenges she may face.
For more detailed coverage of the hearing and McMahon’s background, you can check out the resources provided by USA TODAY.
Zachary Schermele is an education reporter for USA TODAY. You can contact him via email or find him on social media.
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