Linda McMahon seeks approval for leading Education Department in Trump’s push to dismantle it – The Times of India
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Linda McMahon, a former Small Business Administration chief and long-time ally of President Donald Trump, is seeking Senate approval to lead the US Department of Education, an agency that Trump has vowed to eliminate as part of his bold, controversial vision for American education. McMahon’s confirmation hearing, set for Thursday, February 13, 2025, will see her questioned by Senate lawmakers on her ability to execute Trump’s plan to dismantle the department, which manages billions in federal funding for schools, handles a $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio, and enforces civil rights protections in education.
While McMahon’s qualifications are extensive in business, her experience in education has been more limited. She served on Connecticut’s Board of Education for one year and has been a trustee for Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Critics are concerned about her lack of substantial education experience and her role in the radical agenda set by the Trump administration. According to the Associated Press, opponents of McMahon’s nomination fear that her leadership could mark the beginning of an era where federal support for public education is drastically reduced.
Trump’s education overhaul plan
President Trump has been vocal about his desire to “drain the swamp” and reform what he perceives as a bloated federal bureaucracy. The Department of Education has been a prime target for this reform agenda. Trump has suggested eliminating the agency entirely, describing it as an entity overrun by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” His proposed education overhaul would aim to reduce the federal government’s role in K-12 education and increase parental control over schooling.
McMahon’s role, if confirmed, would be to lead the department in its dismantling, overseeing the rollback of federal regulations and, potentially, redirecting funding toward school choice programs. As reported by the Associated Press, Trump has emphasized that McMahon should “put herself out of a job” by reducing the department’s size and scope to the point where it could be entirely eliminated.
Senate scrutiny on education priorities
The confirmation hearing will likely focus on McMahon’s stance regarding critical issues, including student loan management and civil rights protections. As reported by the Associated Press, Senate Democrats have raised concerns that dismantling the department could harm programs essential for millions of students across the country, especially those in marginalized communities. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim have specifically questioned McMahon’s commitment to preserving the department’s student loan operations and ensuring civil rights protections for students.
Public education advocates speak out
Opposition to McMahon’s nomination is growing, with groups like the National Education Association and advocacy organizations focused on Title IX protections strongly opposing her confirmation. They argue that her confirmation would signal a harmful shift toward privatization in education, threatening public schools, teachers, and students who rely on federal support. The outcome of McMahon’s Senate hearing on February 13 will be a key moment in determining the future direction of US education policy.