Linda McMahon to Head Education as Trump Targets Federal Agency Overhaul
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, a prominent donor and the wife of former WWE chairman Vince McMahon, to lead the Department of Education. This move aligns with Trump’s recurring proposal to dismantle the agency, transferring educational oversight to individual states.
Key Developments
McMahon, who previously oversaw the Small Business Administration, has been tasked with executing Trump’s plan to “send Education BACK TO THE STATES.” Trump emphasized that McMahon will advocate strongly for parental involvement in education.
Since its inception in 1979, the Department of Education has faced criticism from Trump, who views it as excessive government intervention. He argues that despite the U.S. spending substantially on education, it lags behind globally, ranked 12th by U.S. News & World Report.
Trump has controversially claimed that many within the department “hate our children” and advocates for state-managed education, believing it to be more effective.
The closure of the Department of Education features prominently in Trump’s Agenda47 and Project 2025, although he has distanced himself from the latter during his campaign.
Critics warn that abolishing the department could disrupt funding for K-12 schools, special education, and civil rights enforcement. However, experts suggest that federal involvement in education will persist, even if the department is dissolved.
Trump’s Educational Vision
Within Agenda47, Trump outlines controversial measures such as defunding schools teaching critical race theory and credentialing teachers who “embrace patriotic values.” These initiatives could face challenges if states assume full control.
Trump’s principles advocate for parental rights in education, including access to teaching materials and awareness of school employees’ interactions regarding students’ identities.
The details of how federal responsibilities, such as funding allocation, would be managed without a central agency remain unresolved.
Significant Statements
At a rally in Wisconsin, Trump stated, “We will drain the government education swamp and stop the abuse of your taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s youth with all sorts of things that you don’t want to have our youth hearing.” (CNN)
Profile: Linda McMahon
Linda McMahon, 76, co-chairs Trump’s transition team and leads the America First Policy Institute. With her husband, she founded WWE and served as its president and CEO. McMahon ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2010 and 2012 and led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. The McMahons’ net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion.
Potential Impact on Education
Eliminating the Department of Education would necessitate congressional approval, possibly requiring a supermajority in the Senate. The GOP’s current Senate majority falls short of this threshold, implying bipartisan support would be essential for such measures.
The department’s primary function is the distribution of federal education funds, supplementing state resources for various programs. In Fiscal Year 2022, federal contributions accounted for $119 billion, or 14% of total education funding, supporting initiatives like Title I and special education.
Future of Student Loans
The fate of federal student loan programs remains uncertain without the Department of Education. Trump’s administration is anticipated to adopt a stricter stance on loan forgiveness compared to President Biden’s policies.
Proposals for Restructuring
Project 2025 suggests reallocating the department’s functions across other federal bodies, such as transferring civil rights enforcement to the Justice Department. It also proposes eliminating Title I funding and the Head Start program, raising concerns about exacerbating inequalities.
Public and Political Reactions
Historically, figures like Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, and Ted Cruz have advocated for abolishing the Department of Education. Opinions vary widely, with only 44% of Americans viewing the department favorably, according to Pew Research survey results.
Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, has endorsed the idea of closing the department, calling it a “good idea” in a social media post. However, the basis for his claim that American education has declined since the department’s creation is unclear.
