Senate Committee Advances Linda McMahon for Education Secretary
Nomination Moves Forward to Full Senate
A Senate committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance Linda McMahon’s nomination to serve as President Donald Trump’s education secretary, bringing her closer to leading an agency the Republican president wants to shut down.
Confirmation Hearing Highlights
At her confirmation hearing, McMahon stated that she wants to "reorient" the Education Department. When asked about the fate of the department’s core initiatives, McMahon said that Trump wants them to be more efficient but isn’t out to defund them. She suggested that certain roles could be moved to other agencies, such as the Justice Department, which could take over the department’s civil rights arm.
Commitment to Preserving Funding
McMahon pledged to preserve federal Title I money for low-income schools, Pell grants for low-income college students, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, all of which were created by Congress. However, she also promised to cut off federal money from schools that defy Trump’s orders against transgender athletes in women’s sports, campus antisemitism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the country.
Democratic Concerns
Democrats were alarmed by McMahon’s response to questions about Trump’s order to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools. When asked if African American history classes could trigger a loss of federal money, McMahon said she wasn’t certain and needed to look into it.
Background on Linda McMahon
McMahon, a billionaire Trump ally and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, brings less experience in education than many others in the role. She was a member of the Connecticut board of education for about a year in 2009 and is a longtime trustee at Sacred Heart University. She left the WWE in 2009 and led two unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut.
Conclusion
The Senate is one step closer to confirming Linda McMahon as the next Education Secretary, despite concerns from Democrats and civil rights groups. McMahon’s confirmation would mark a significant shift in the department’s priorities, with potential changes to funding and programming. The outcome of her nomination is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the education community is on high alert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current state of the Education Department?
The Education Department is still operational, but the Trump administration has made significant changes, including firing or suspending over 100 employees and canceling dozens of contracts. - What is Linda McMahon’s experience in education?
McMahon has limited experience in education, having served as a member of the Connecticut board of education for about a year in 2009 and as a trustee at Sacred Heart University. - What is the current debate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in schools?
There is ongoing controversy surrounding the potential ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools, with many educators and advocates expressing concern about the potential impact on students’ experiences and outcomes.
