Linda McMahon received the Senate’s official stamp of approval to become the next US Secretary of Education. The confirmation came after a contentious but revealing hearing where McMahon outlined her top priorities for the department, which is poised for a dramatic overhaul. Known for her background in business and as a former Small Business Administrator, McMahon’s appointment signals a shift in the landscape of American education. While her critics argue her lack of experience in education policy could be a setback, her supporters believe her track record of streamlining operations and pushing for reform will bring much-needed change to the system.
With the Senate’s approval in hand, McMahon is now set to lead an agency that President Trump has long criticized and pledged to dismantle. However, McMahon clarified that she intends to take a more measured approach, focusing on restructuring rather than an immediate shutdown of the Department of Education. Let’s dive into the top 10 education priorities McMahon has outlined, which could reshape the future of US education, as she takes on her new role.
1. Protecting key funding programs
One of the most significant assurances McMahon made during her confirmation hearing was her commitment to protecting vital federal education funding programs. As reported by PBS News, McMahon pledged to safeguard Pell Grants, a lifeline for low-income students, and Title I funding, which helps students in underserved communities. “I will work to ensure that funds Congress has approved will be distributed properly,” McMahon said, emphasizing that these crucial programs would remain intact under her leadership.
2. Expanding workforce-based education
McMahon is a staunch advocate for education that prepares students for the workforce, and that includes expanding opportunities for workforce training programs. McMahon is particularly interested in expanding Pell Grants to cover short-term vocational certifications and apprenticeships, which would help students gain skills and enter the workforce quickly. Her emphasis on alternatives to traditional four-year degrees aligns with her broader vision to provide students with a variety of career pathways. As quoted by Whiteboard Advisors, McMahon is dedicated to “leveling the playing field between faster, cheaper alternatives and traditional institutions of higher education.”
3. Reducing federal intervention in schools
In line with the Trump administration’s goals, McMahon plans to reduce the federal government’s role in K-12 education. As noted by PBS News, McMahon has emphasized school choice as a core tenet of her education philosophy. She believes that by giving parents more control over their children’s education, they can choose from a broader array of educational options, whether public, private, or charter schools. “We want to give parents the freedom to make the best educational choices for their children,” she said, advocating for microschooling and school vouchers as part of this push.
4. Streamlining the Education Department
One of McMahon’s major goals is to streamline the Education Department’s operations, reducing red tape and bureaucracy. As reported by Education Week, McMahon’s testimony highlighted the importance of cutting unnecessary processes to improve efficiency. She argued that streamlining operations would allow the department to focus more on educational outcomes and less on administrative tasks. “My focus would be on getting rid of unnecessary bureaucracy so that we can teach kids the essential skills they need,” McMahon explained.
5. Shifting special education oversight to HHS
A controversial but central aspect of McMahon’s plans is to move the oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). McMahon suggested that HHS, which already oversees other disability programs, would be better suited for the task. While this proposal was met with skepticism from some Democratic senators, including Senator Maggie Hassan, McMahon argued that it would reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. As reported by Education Week, McMahon defended her stance, stating that this shift could “improve efficiency and make the program more effective.”
6. Shifting civil rights enforcement to the DOJ
Another part of McMahon’s plan to streamline operations involves moving the Office for Civil Rights from the Department of Education to the Department of Justice (DOJ). McMahon argued that civil rights complaints, especially those involving antisemitism and other sensitive issues, could be handled more effectively by the DOJ. This proposal would likely result in a shift in how civil rights enforcement is managed across US schools, including how complaints are investigated and resolved. PBS News quoted McMahon saying, “We believe the DOJ would handle these issues more effectively.”
7. Embracing alternatives to college degrees
McMahon has been a vocal critic of what she views as the growing trend of degree inflation — requiring college degrees for jobs that historically did not need them. She is a proponent of skills-based education and is focused on promoting alternatives to four-year degrees, such as industry certifications, apprenticeships, and vocational training. As reported by Whiteboard Advisors, McMahon has advocated for “Workforce Pell”, which would allow federal funds to support students pursuing credentials outside the traditional degree system.
8. Focusing on student performance tracking and accountability
Despite efforts to cut costs and reduce federal spending, McMahon made it clear that she would prioritize accountability in education. PBS News reports that McMahon intends to keep funding for student performance tracking intact, even as the administration looks to streamline other areas of federal spending. This includes ensuring that schools remain accountable for student outcomes, particularly in the areas of graduation rates and college readiness.
9. Protecting and expanding access to Title IX programs
While McMahon has faced criticism for her stance on civil rights enforcement, she also made clear her commitment to defending Title IX protections for students, particularly female athletes. The ongoing controversy over transgender athletes in school sports was a key issue raised during her confirmation hearing, and McMahon expressed her intent to uphold Title IX protections while investigating issues surrounding gender in sports. PBS News quoted McMahon’s testimony, in which she emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all students, especially women.
10. Advancing curriculum transparency
Transparency in education has been another key priority for McMahon. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), where McMahon has been active, has advocated for curriculum transparency, calling for states to pass laws requiring that curricula and instructional materials be made publicly available for parents. As noted by Whiteboard Advisors, McMahon supports increasing parental access to information about what their children are being taught in school. This, she believes, will help empower parents to make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Looking Ahead
As McMahon steps into her new role, she faces the daunting task of reshaping the US education system in line with the Trump administration’s vision. With her business background, McMahon promises a focus on efficiency, accountability, and parental choice, although critics remain concerned about her lack of formal education policy experience. PBS News quoted Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican supporter, who praised McMahon’s “business acumen” and vision for reforming education, while Democratic critics continue to question her approach to handling special education and civil rights issues.
Time will tell how McMahon’s priorities translate into action, but one thing is certain — the education landscape in the US is about to undergo significant changes. With a heavy focus on expanding options for students and streamlining operations, McMahon’s tenure promises to be one of both controversy and potential transformation.
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