The latest episode of the podcast Education in Focus breaks down the confirmation of newly confirmed Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump’s state goal to dismantle the federal agency.
Host Eliana Kernodle spoke with The Center Square reporter Thérèse Boudreaux.
In a 51-45 vote, McMahon secured the role with unanimous Republican support and strong Democratic opposition.
In addition to being an advocate for school choice and having experience as the former leader of the Small Business Administration, McMahon’s background in education includes being on Connecticut’s State Board of Education for 15 months, as well as the Board of Trustees at Sacred Heart University.
According to Thérèse Boudreaux, McMahon has embraced Trump’s goal of dismantling the department. Supporters of the plan argue that education policy should be returned to state and local governments, while those who oppose it claim it will disrupt federal education funding, student aid programs, and public school oversight and regulation.
As Boudreaux mentioned in the interview, “She seems to be seeing her role as the leader of the department as kind of leading it to its end.”
Watch the full video below.