In the midst of significant turmoil, the U.S. Department of Education is facing unprecedented challenges, particularly as Linda McMahon prepares for her confirmation hearing to become the Secretary of Education. McMahon, a business mogul and former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration in the first Trump administration, is set to appear before the U.S. Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee on February 13.
McMahon's nomination comes at a time when the Trump administration is aggressively pursuing the downsizing and potential abolition of the Education Department. This effort, largely orchestrated through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, has already led to dozens of employees being placed on administrative leave. An executive order is reportedly in the works to initiate the dismantling of the 45-year-old agency, a move that will undoubtedly be a focal point during McMahon's confirmation hearing.
The Trump administration's recent actions on education policy are likely to heighten scrutiny of McMahon. President Trump has issued executive orders threatening to pull federal funds from schools that allow transgender girls to participate in sports teams aligning with their gender identity, respect students' pronouns and names without parental notification, or teach about race and racism in ways the administration deems as "radical indoctrination." These orders also direct agencies to repurpose existing funds to prioritize school choice initiatives, further aligning with Trump's vow to send education "back to the states."
Additionally, the administration has established the 1776 Commission within the Department of Education, tasked with formulating a strategy to eliminate federal funding for what it considers "illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination" in K-12 schools, including issues related to gender ideology and equity policies. This commission must provide recommendations and a plan to protect parental rights and ensure compliance with relevant federal laws.
The financial impact of these policies is already being felt. The Trump administration has canceled over $900 million in contracts overseen by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), a key arm of the Education Department responsible for tracking national education data. This move, also driven by Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives, could significantly reduce public knowledge about school performance and quality.
The cancellation of these contracts, which include multiyear agreements, affects one of the country’s largest funders of education research. The IES maintains a vast database of education statistics and contracts with scientists and education companies to compile and publicize data on schools. Despite assurances that the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the College Scorecard will not be affected, the slashing of contracts at IES is a significant blow to the department’s research and statistical capabilities.
As McMahon prepares to face the Senate committee, she will likely be questioned not only about her background and policy positions but also about the administration’s contentious actions and the future of the Education Department. The ongoing efforts to shrink the department and alter its role in education policy will be central to the discussion, making her confirmation hearing a critical moment in the evolving landscape of U.S. education policy.
