When Linda McMahon took office as Secretary of Education, she embraced the responsibility for overseeing the U.S. Department of Education and supporting over 100 million American children and college students. "I want to do right by both," she stated.
McMahon's appointment by President Trump was part of his significant campaign promise to shift educational control back to states and empower parents in making educational choices for their children. She expressed that "there is nobody more qualified than a parent to make educational decisions for their children."
Following Trump's inauguration, several executive orders were signed focusing on combatting critical race theory, DEI, gender ideology, discrimination in admissions, promoting school choice, and restoring patriotic education. The administration aims to eliminate wasteful programs and federal government red tape.
McMahon noted that this transition would significantly impact staff, budgets, and operations within the department. "We will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy so that our colleges, K-12 schools, students, and teachers can innovate and thrive," she mentioned.
She acknowledged that since its inception in 1980, the Department of Education has received over $1 trillion from taxpayers but has not met expectations regarding student outcomes. Many young Americans face challenges such as failing schools or unmanageable college debt without substantial returns on their investment.
The directive from President Trump involves reducing bureaucratic bloat at the Department of Education swiftly and responsibly. McMahon sees this as an opportunity for disruption leading to innovation within American education.
"True change does not happen overnight—especially the historic overhaul of a federal agency," she explained. Overcoming bureaucratic barriers will allow parents more freedom in educational choices while granting local communities greater autonomy.
The Secretary concluded with an invitation: "I hope each of you will embrace this vision going forward... I want to invite all employees to join us in this historic final mission on behalf of all students."
