McMahon Engages with House Democrats to Discuss Overhaul of the Education Department
The education secretary made an unexpected appearance at the post-meeting press briefing, catching Congress members off guard as they voiced their criticisms.
A coalition of House Democrats has reported that they have cultivated a respectful yet cautious rapport with Education Secretary Linda McMahon to discuss the future of her increasingly diminished department and federal funding for both K–12 and higher education.
During a press conference on April 2, which followed their meeting with McMahon in her Washington office, the Congress members expressed concerns about maintaining investigations related to civil rights in education amidst dwindling staff levels and the need to reassure their constituents that funding for special education programs and those serving low-income districts will not be reduced or mishandled.
There have been no announcements regarding changes to the Title I program aimed at low-income student populations. Several House Democrats expressed concerns that the funding flow may ultimately be transitioned to states through block grants, fearing that states might exploit these funds for political motives against school districts.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) mentioned that McMahon assured them she would not completely dismantle her agency without congressional consent. He noted that it remains uncertain whether transferring functions of the Department of Education to other agencies contravenes any federal laws.
“We’ll be keeping a close watch on that,” he stated.
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Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) remarked that McMahon is downsizing the department as if conducting a “corporate restructuring” and has not yet revealed a long-term strategy for its operations.
McMahon then unexpectedly joined the press conference, leading some Congress members to soften their critiques, expressing gratitude to the education secretary for addressing their concerns and inviting her to the podium.
While there are differing opinions on how to enhance public education, McMahon stated that the common goal is the welfare of children, who will grow to be the nation’s future engineers, doctors, lawyers, and tradespeople.
“This transcends partisanship,” she asserted. “It’s about America’s children.”
“Federal funding will persist through the programs currently in place. I am eager to collaborate with members of Congress from both parties,” she added.
As McMahon departed the podium and made her way back to her office, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) inquired about when she intends to shutter her own agency, to which she responded, “We’ve already discussed that, so thank you all very, very much for coming.”
Takano then addressed the media present and remarked: “As you can see, she’s evading the question about when she plans to close the Department of Education. She lacks a plan, and while she doesn’t have one, they continue to contemplate layoffs and workforce reductions—perhaps with a soft approach, but [it] still wields the effect of an iron fist.”
Trump’s executive order dated March 20 grants McMahon authority to “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and transfer control over education to the states and local communities while ensuring the seamless and ongoing delivery of services, programs, and benefits vital to Americans.”
