Trump Pick for Education Chief Says Congress Needed to Shut Down Department
Linda McMahon on Thursday sketched out how key functions of the Education Department could be carved up to achieve President Trump’s goal of dismantling the agency
WASHINGTON — Linda McMahon, the Trump administration’s pick to lead the Department of Education, vowed to “reorient” the department while continuing some of its largest programs, including Title I money for low-income schools, Pell grants for low-income college students, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
McMahon’s Plan to Carve Up the Department
Questioned about the fate of specific programs at her confirmation hearing, McMahon said the Trump administration wants to “do this right” and she believes it would take an act of Congress to abolish the Education Department.
“We’d like to make sure that we are presenting a plan that I think our senators could get on board with, and our Congress could get on board with, that would have a better functioning Department of Education,” McMahon said.
Reallocating Responsibilities
McMahon suggested that some programs, such as enforcement of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may be better suited for other agencies. She suggested IDEA could be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services, which already oversees disability issues. The Office for Civil Rights, she said, could fit better at the Justice Department.
Commitment to Uphold the Law
Democrats repeatedly grilled McMahon on her willingness to follow orders from Trump or Elon Musk if they run afoul of congressional mandates. McMahon pledged to uphold the law and show deference to Congress.
“We will certainly expend those dollars that Congress has passed,” she said.
Department’s Future Unclear
A plan being considered by the White House would direct the education secretary to dismantle the department as much as legally possible while asking Congress to abolish it completely.
Controversy Surrounding the Department’s Closures
A number of Education Department employees have been fired, including at least 39 workers who were in a one-year probation period, according to a union that represents agency workers. The firings include civil rights workers, special education specialists, and student aid officials.
Fresh Scrutiny on the Horizon
Democrats have been gearing up to grill McMahon on her willingness to execute Trump’s plan at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Call for Action from Democratic Senators
In a letter to McMahon, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim said she’ll be asked if she supports Trump’s plan, and what action she will take to carry it out. The letter asks McMahon for commitments to preserve the department’s student loan operations and civil rights office, among other programs highlighted by the Democrats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of the Education Department remains uncertain under the Trump administration. While McMahon has pledged to continue some of its largest programs, the department’s very existence is under threat. The controversy surrounding its closures and reassignments has sparked concern among educators and advocates, and the Senate will be closely scrutinizing McMahon’s plan to dismantle the department.
FAQs
* What is the Trump administration’s plan for the Education Department?
The Trump administration plans to dismantle the department as much as legally possible while asking Congress to abolish it completely.
* What programs will be preserved?
Title I money for low-income schools, Pell grants for low-income college students, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness are among the programs that will be preserved.
* What is the fate of the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights?
The Office for Civil Rights may be moved to the Justice Department, according to McMahon.
* What is the reaction to the proposed plan?
Educators and advocates have expressed concern about the department’s closures and reassignments, while some Republicans have praised McMahon’s business acumen and commitment to reforming the department.
