Linda McMahon Outlines Plan to Dismantle Education Dept. at Senate Hearing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At her Senate confirmation hearing, Linda McMahon detailed how the Trump administration could dismantle the Education Department, shifting major programs like student loans, special education, and civil rights enforcement to other agencies. While Trump has called for closing the department immediately, McMahon emphasized a gradual restructuring requiring congressional approval. The hearing comes as Elon Musk’s efficiency team slashes department jobs and funding, raising concerns over education oversight and federal spending priorities.
McMahon’s Education Plans: Quick Look
- Position on Closing the Department: McMahon said Congress must approve any full shutdown, countering Trump’s call for immediate closure.
- Restructuring Instead of Eliminating: Pledged to reorient the department while preserving student loans, school funding, and civil rights enforcement.
- Government Efficiency Overhaul: Elon Musk’s team is already cutting contracts and identifying staff for termination.
- Controversial Policy Shifts: The department prioritizing antisemitism complaints and investigating transgender sports policies.
- Limited Education Experience: McMahon, a former WWE CEO, has minimal education policy background but advocates for school choice and apprenticeships.
- Department Overhaul: McMahon suggested shifting special education oversight to HHS and civil rights enforcement to the DOJ.
- Trump’s Immediate Closure Plan: McMahon noted that Congress must approve shutting down the department, slowing Trump’s timeline.
- Job & Funding Cuts:Elon Musk’s efficiency team has already cut contracts, fired employees, and eliminated $900 million in spending.
- Senate Confirmation Hearing: McMahon promised to uphold student loan programs and school funding, but Democrats remain skeptical.
- Republican Support: GOP leaders praised McMahon’s business experience and commitment to school choice and deregulation.
Linda McMahon Outlines Plan to Dismantle Education Dept. at Senate Hearing
Deep Look: Linda McMahon’s Education Department Vision
Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, outlined her plan to restructure—but not immediately eliminate—the Education Department during her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday.
“We want a more efficient Education Department, not an immediate shutdown,” McMahon told lawmakers.
While Trump has pushed for immediate closure, McMahon argued that Congress must approve the department’s dismantling, and some programs may function better under other agencies.
McMahon faced tough questioning Thursday as she softened the administration’s stance on dismantling the Education Department, saying Congress must approve any full shutdown.
Her testimony contrasts sharply with Trump’s recent declaration that he wants the department closed immediately.
“We’d like to make sure that we are presenting a plan that I think our senators could get on board with,” McMahon told lawmakers. “Defunding is not the goal here.”
Trump’s Push to Eliminate the Education Department
The Trump administration has floated a plan directing McMahon to dismantle as much of the department as possible, while Congress debates a full shutdown. Trump recently said he wants McMahon “to put herself out of a job” by shutting down the department.
- Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is already cutting contracts and identifying employees for termination.
- $900 million in funding for student performance tracking has been eliminated, raising concerns over education research and achievement gap monitoring.
- At least 39 probationary employees were fired Wednesday, including civil rights specialists and student aid officials.
Shifting Priorities Under McMahon & Trump
The Trump administration is redefining the role of the Education Department, including:
- Prioritizing antisemitism cases over other civil rights complaints.
- Investigating transgender athletes in school sports under new directives.
- Redirecting focus to school choice, apprenticeships, and alternatives to college degrees.
McMahon’s Background & Criticism Over Experience
McMahon, a billionaire businesswoman and former WWE CEO, has limited experience in education policy:
- Spent one year on the Connecticut Board of Education.
- Longtime trustee at Sacred Heart University.
- Advocates for school choice, apprenticeships, and nontraditional career paths.
“This is about returning power to parents and reforming an Education Department that has lost the plot,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chair of the Senate health and education committee.
However, Democrats and education advocates oppose her nomination, with the National Education Association (NEA) and Title IX advocacy groups urging the Senate to reject her.
Key Takeaways from McMahon’s Hearing
- Special Education & Disability Rights:
- McMahon proposed transferring the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Why? HHS already oversees disability programs, making it a logical fit.
- Civil Rights & Title IX Enforcement:
- The Office for Civil Rights could be moved to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
- Why? McMahon suggested that DOJ might handle civil rights complaints more effectively.
- Trump’s policy shift: The administration has reprioritized antisemitism complaints and investigated transgender athlete participation in school sports.
- Student Loan & School Funding Programs:
- McMahon pledged to preserve Pell Grants, Title I funds, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- However, she did not clarify whether these programs would remain under federal oversight or be shifted to state control.
What’s Next?
- Senate confirmation vote expected soon, with Republicans likely to back McMahon.
- Congress to debate Education Department reforms, potentially blocking full closure.
- Further job cuts & funding reductions expected as Musk’s efficiency team continues restructuring efforts.
McMahon’s nomination represents one of Trump’s boldest moves to reshape U.S. education policy, with potentially far-reaching consequences for students, schools, and funding programs.
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