Trump’s education chief nominee outlines a blueprint for dismantling the department.
Linda McMahon on Thursday outlined how key functions of the Education Department could be redistributed to meet President Donald Trump’s goal of dismantling the agency, while pledging to protect core programs.
During her confirmation hearing, McMahon emphasized that key initiatives such as Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell grants for college students, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness would remain intact. She said eliminating the department would require congressional approval.
“We want to do it the right way,” McMahon said. “Closing the department would require an act of Congress, and we want a plan that our senators and Congress can support for a more effective Department of Education.” She also indicated that some programs might work better in other agencies, suggesting that oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act could be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services and that the Office for Civil Rights could be better housed within the Department of Justice.
Despite her assurances, McMahon faced sharp questions from Senate Democrats about whether she would follow directives from Trump or Elon Musk if they conflicted with congressional orders. “We will certainly spend the dollars that Congress has passed,” McMahon said, promising to uphold the law and respect congressional authority.
The hearing highlighted the tension between Trump’s push for smaller government and congressional mandates that protect education programs. McMahon’s roadmap could set the stage for a significant overhaul of the Education Department, though much will depend on congressional support.
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