Linda McMahon, the U.S. Secretary of Education, has defended the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education, arguing that granting control of education to state governments is a nonpartisan issue that addresses the diverse needs of all states. Despite some Democratic opposition to the plan, McMahon emphasized that the shift to state control is widely supported by governors from both parties, as many states on either side of the aisle have struggled with educational challenges.
McMahon’s stance has been reinforced by recent actions taken by the Trump administration, which has released over $6.8 billion in previously frozen federal education funds to states. This financial release was announced ahead of discussions with outgoing NGA chair, Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and underscores the administration’s commitment to moving education control back to the states. This move is seen as a direct fulfillment of one of Trump’s key campaign promises during the 2024 presidential election.
Throughout the National Governors Association (NGA) summer meeting, McMahon has engaged in multiple discussions with state governors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing educational challenges. She has also visited various types of schools, from charter schools to public schools, to gather insights on best practices that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each state.
Despite the release of the Nation’s Report Card, which indicates that American students’ reading skills have continued to decline and math skills have only marginally improved since the pandemic, McMahon remains optimistic about the future of U.S. education. She believes the Trump administration’s focus on improving literacy and other educational outcomes will help the United States regain its position as a global leader in education. This optimism is also reflected in her belief that the current plan will empower teachers to focus on their core responsibilities, allowing them to dedicate more time to effective instruction.
McMahon has also emphasized the importance of ensuring that states can implement best practices while addressing the specific needs of their educators. Her comments have resonated with many teachers, who are concerned about the potential impact of the department’s dismantling on their ability to innovate in the classroom and focus on their students without being burdened by excessive regulatory compliance. Overall, McMahon’s approach to education reform has been framed as a bipartisan effort to improve educational outcomes and restore trust in the system.