Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon, nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Education, faced a series of questions during her confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee. The focus was on the future of the agency, given Trump's expressed desire to close it down.
Sen. Bill Cassidy raised the issue of Congressional approval for shutting down the DOE, to which McMahon emphasized the need to work with Congress and present a plan agreeable to lawmakers. Sen. Bernie Sanders also sought McMahon's views on the process of abolishing the department, to which she reiterated the necessity of Congressional involvement.
Sen. Susan Collins highlighted the importance of programs like Maine's TRIO, expressing concerns about their continuity in case of DOE restructuring. McMahon acknowledged the challenges faced by such programs and emphasized the need for effective oversight and reduction of bureaucratic hurdles in education.
President Trump's stance on the DOE was reiterated ahead of McMahon's hearing, with his call for its immediate closure. Trump emphasized the high cost per pupil in the U.S. compared to its global ranking in education, signaling his intention to overhaul the system.
McMahon, if confirmed, will be stepping into a role where she is expected to work towards improving the functioning of the Education Department while addressing concerns about its potential closure. Her commitment to collaborating with Congress and streamlining educational programs was evident during the hearing.
