Linda McMahon Faces Senate Scrutiny in Contentious Education Secretary Hearing
Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, faced a contentious confirmation hearing on Thursday, February 13, 2025, before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The hearing centered on McMahon’s qualifications, her vision for the Department of Education, and the Trump administration’s plans to potentially dismantle the agency.
McMahon, a former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and head of the Small Business Administration under Trump’s first term, emphasized her commitment to “reorienting” the department rather than defunding its programs. She stated that the administration’s goal is to make the department operate more efficiently, not to eliminate funding for critical programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, she acknowledged that dismantling the department would require congressional action, as it was established by an act of Congress in 1979.
Democrats on the committee expressed skepticism, accusing McMahon and the administration of “elegant gaslighting” by advocating for enforcement of protections for students while simultaneously seeking to strip the department of its authority. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) highlighted the importance of the department in safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities, a role she argued cannot be effectively managed by other agencies.
McMahon also faced questions about school choice, a policy she strongly supports. She advocated for expanding options such as education savings accounts, vouchers, and charter schools, arguing that parents deserve more control over their children’s education. However, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) raised concerns about the feasibility of school choice in rural areas, where options are limited.
The hearing also touched on the Trump administration’s executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. McMahon defended the administration’s stance, suggesting that DEI initiatives have led to increased segregation in schools. When pressed by Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) about whether schools teaching African American history or hosting ethnic clubs could lose federal funding, McMahon declined to provide a definitive answer, stating she would need to assess the situation further.
McMahon’s nomination is expected to move forward, with a committee vote scheduled for February 20. If confirmed, she will oversee an agency that has already begun implementing cuts, including the termination of probationary employees and the cancellation of research programs. Her confirmation would mark a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape federal education policy, though the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain amid ongoing debates over its role and funding.
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