Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Discusses Education Reforms
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Amid protests from Democrats regarding President Donald Trump’s initiative to dismantle the Department of Education, Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, emphasized that the issue of educational reform is “nonpartisan.”
She stated, “I’m not pushing back, because whether it’s a Democrat or Republican state, it’s affecting many states across the board. So, really, it’s a nonpartisan issue we’re facing.”
McMahon recently attended discussions with both Democratic and Republican governors in Colorado Springs. During this conference, her department announced the release of about $6.8 billion in federal funds that had previously been frozen for K-12 programs, ahead of a panel discussion with outgoing National Governors Association (NGA) chair, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado.
“To effectively restore education to the states, it’s crucial to engage with the governors,” McMahon pointed out. “What are their needs? How can we collaborate? This issue transcends party lines.”
More Federal Funds for Education
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a significant campaign promise for the 2024 presidential election.
McMahon explained that this move involves returning federal educational resources to the states, a concern shared by various stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, in a joint statement with NGA Chairman, noted that “these bipartisan dialogues with Secretary McMahon and other officials during the NGA summer conferences were crucial for facilitating the release of these educational funds,” highlighting their advocacy’s role in securing this crucial support for states and districts.
McMahon, who previously led World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), emphasized that participating in NGA meetings and engaging with governors from different parties is vital for grasping the diverse landscape of American education.
“I’ve already visited a variety of school types—charter, public, you name it—to gather information on effective practices nationwide,” she shared.
She noted, “Each state has unique requirements. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but common concerns tend to arise around literacy,” which is particularly pressing given a recent report from her department indicating a decline in reading comprehension among American students since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with minimal improvement in math skills.
Despite these challenges, McMahon remains optimistic, declaring, “The future for education is looking very bright.” She mentioned the Trump administration’s focus on the “national reporting card” which indicates the need for improvement in the U.S. educational standing globally.
“The President is committed to elevating these educational standards, ensuring that the United States maintains its position as a leader in global education,” McMahon explained.
When asked how she addresses teachers who are anxious about the dismantling of the Department of Education, McMahon reiterated the goal of aligning resources with the specific needs of educators while implementing best practices at a national level.
“We work with school boards and governors to establish effective policies. Teachers should spend their time focused on their students,” she said. “It’s important to let teachers teach. That’s what will ultimately benefit everyone,” McMahon concluded.
