As Washington D.C. prepares for Donald Trump's second inauguration, federal agencies, particularly the Department of Education, are bracing for potential significant changes and budget cuts. These concerns are amplified by Trump's past pledges to dismantle the department and his nomination of Linda McMahon, a figure with limited education experience, to lead the agency.
Trump, in a September 2023 campaign video, vowed to eliminate the Department of Education, returning control to the states. While he has remained silent on the specifics of this plan, his choice of Linda McMahon as his nominee to oversee this process has raised eyebrows. McMahon is predominantly known for her role as co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a background that starkly contrasts with her lack of formal expertise in education policy.
Adding to concerns, McMahon falsely claimed to possess a bachelor's degree in education on a questionnaire while serving on the Connecticut Board of Education. She later admitted her degree was in French, and resigned shortly after a local paper prepared to publish a story on the false claim. Critics suggest McMahon’s selection reflects her loyalty to Trump, rather than her qualifications for the role.
McMahon’s relationship with Trump spans decades, including his appearances on WWE programming and her financial contributions to his political endeavors. She has recently held leadership roles in the conservative America First Policy Institute, further solidifying her alignment with the Trump agenda. Her appointment signals a shift toward policies aimed at defunding public education and diverting resources towards school choice initiatives.
The potential elimination of the Department of Education presents challenges due to the need for congressional approval. However, even without abolishing the department, actions taken under McMahon's leadership could severely limit its functionality, with major implications for federal programs like Title I, which supports low-income schools. Policy proposals from Trump's allies indicate a plan to eliminate such funding, potentially leading to significant teacher layoffs nationwide.
Further, McMahon's known support for school choice voucher programs could redirect critical funds from public schools to charter and private schools, potentially exacerbating inequalities in educational access. Experts caution that such policies prioritize choice over equity, potentially harming students within traditional public systems.
Civil rights advocates also express concerns about McMahon's potential impact on the department's civil rights protections, particularly in enforcing anti-discrimination laws. The previous Trump administration weakened these protections, and her track record raises questions about her commitment to ensure accountability around issues like sexual violence in educational settings. These potential changes could dramatically weaken the Department of Education, potentially impacting the scope and availability of educational programs.
