Education Secretary to Tour States Focusing on Local Communities
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon is set to kick off a tour across all 50 states next week. The emphasis will be on rejuvenating educational discussions at the state level, placing a spotlight on communication between communities and families.
Over the next year, McMahon will embark on what she calls a “return to the state” tour. “We want to showcase successful programs nationwide that prioritize students and demonstrate the impact of community leadership,” she shared in a pre-announcement video.
McMahon reflected on her mission, noting, “When President Trump appointed me as education secretary, he tasked me with a clear objective: to reduce federal involvement in education. Decisions about education are best made locally—not dictated from Washington, D.C. We need the voices of our schools, neighbors, and those who really know our children.”
She continued, “Our goal is to re-establish important conversations within classrooms, communities, and among local leaders. The Trump administration is committed to cutting through bureaucratic red tape, broadening school choices, and ensuring every student receives a quality education. It’s about empowering local management, enhancing family options, and creating a future where all students can thrive. Let’s hand education back to the states and craft a future worthy of our American students.”
The first stops on her tour will be Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee next week, although specific details on her schedule in those states haven’t been released yet.
In a statement to Breitbart News, McMahon expressed her eagerness to “hear directly from students, educators, and local leaders about innovative ideas that can foster success. I’m also keen to find ways to ensure every family can choose the educational path that suits their children’s needs.”
President Trump has expressed a desire to see the Department of Education eliminated, returning power to states and communities. He referred to McMahon’s approach as wanting to “let herself out of work.” Both Trump and the most recent past president have signed executive orders aimed at dismantling the department. However, since Congress established the department under President Carter 45 years ago, it requires Congressional approval to close it formally.
In April, Senate Republicans brought forth a bill aiming to abolish the Department of Education, aligning with Trump’s executive order. This bill has been referenced to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education has promoted various school choice initiatives. Congress has passed the School’s Choice Tax Credit Program, considered a significant legislative achievement. McMahon is also working on plans to transfer some educational functions to different government agencies, such as moving student loan management to the Treasury Department. Recently, the Supreme Court allowed the department to reduce nearly half its workforce.
