During her confirmation hearing for education secretary, Linda McMahon faced questions about the potential dismantling of the Department of Education. Senators pressed her on whether she would attempt to abolish the department without congressional approval, especially following President Trump’s public statement advocating for its elimination.
McMahon reassured lawmakers that she would present a plan for restructuring but acknowledged that closing the department would require congressional action. She avoided specifics on which operations could be cut without approval but confirmed that federal funding for schools would continue.
Senators also questioned McMahon on her willingness to enforce civil rights laws. Sen. Maggie Hassan asked if she would follow legal obligations even if Trump directed otherwise. McMahon responded that the president would not ask her to break the law. Additionally, she pledged to protect students from antisemitic harassment, support vocational training, and promote school choice. However, her responses left some lawmakers uncertain about her stance on protecting marginalized student groups.
Musk’s Influence, Education Department Scrutiny, and McMahon’s Ties to Trump’s Agenda
The Department of Education has been under scrutiny due to interventions by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE claimed credit for canceling $881 million in contracts, but details remain undisclosed. Additionally, some of Musk’s aides gained access to the department’s systems, raising concerns among longtime employees. McMahon defended these actions, stating that the individuals were conducting an audit and must adhere to privacy regulations.
Linda McMahonMcMahon, a former WWE executive and chair of the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute, has long supported redirecting federal education funds toward private schools and reducing teachers’ union influence. Her association with the think tank and Trump’s agenda suggests she may favor eliminating the department, though she has not explicitly confirmed this. Trump has expressed his expectation that McMahon would effectively work herself out of a job, hinting at plans to dismantle the agency.
Criticism Over WWE Past, Protesters’ Concerns, and Opposition to McMahon’s Confirmation
McMahon has faced criticism for her past leadership at WWE, including allegations of covering up sexual abuse and mishandling steroid use. During the hearing, Sen. Tammy Baldwin raised concerns about her ability to support campus sexual assault survivors. McMahon assured lawmakers that she would uphold investigations and ensure fairness. Protesters interrupted the hearing multiple times, voicing opposition to private school vouchers and advocating for public education.
The Senate committee is set to vote on McMahon’s nomination on February 20. The National Education Association, the largest teachers’ union, has officially opposed her confirmation. Meanwhile, McMahon has pledged to uphold Pell Grants and implement student loan forgiveness programs. Her extensive ties to Trump’s political and business ventures, including a financial interest in Truth Social’s parent company, have also drawn scrutiny. The McMahon family has been a significant financial supporter of Trump, contributing over $20 million to his re-election efforts.