McMahon Holds the Line on Education Reform—Democrats Aren’t Happy [WATCH]

On Wednesday morning, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, appointed by President Donald Trump, addressed concerns from Democrat lawmakers about the administration’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

McMahon was invited to meet with several Democrats, including Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), following the Education Department’s controversial decision to reduce its workforce by approximately 50%, cutting staff from 4,000 to just over 2,000 employees.

The department clarified that the cuts primarily impacted internal roles, rather than those working on direct educational programs.

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The meeting between McMahon and the lawmakers was followed by a press conference in which Democrats expressed mixed feelings. While they criticized the downsizing efforts, they also acknowledged McMahon’s willingness to engage in open dialogue.

“I will say, it was really refreshing to be able to sit in a room and ask our questions,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), who participated in the meeting.

“We are all very grateful that she took the time to respond to our letter and she allowed more questions that what we had planned for, which is a great sign, and we hope to continue the open lines of communication with her and we’re grateful for that.”

The situation took an unexpected turn when McMahon made an impromptu appearance at the press conference.

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Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), who had been speaking about the administration’s handling of the Department of Education, remarked that McMahon was treating the issue like a “corporate restructuring” and voiced concern that “the education of our children is not a corporate enterprise.”

Stansbury also criticized McMahon for operating “without a plan,” though she thanked the Secretary for her willingness to meet with the group.

McMahon then approached the podium and expressed her appreciation for the lawmakers’ efforts to engage in the discussion.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of these folks who came today, so we can have an open discussion about what I believe is one of the most important things that we can have a discussion on or action in our country, and that is the education of our young people,” McMahon stated.

She emphasized that education should not be a partisan issue.

“As Rep. Takano said as we were ending the meeting, which I thought was incredibly appropriate, and that is that this is not a partisan issue. This is about the children of America, and it’s the next generation, the generation after that, and if we want to have our leaders, if we want to have that next group of engineers and doctors and lawyers and plumbers and electricians and HVAC operators, then we need to focus on how they can best have their education,” McMahon explained.

McMahon also reaffirmed the administration’s stance on education, saying:

“I believe, and I know the president does believe this as well—the best education is that that is closest to the child, where teachers and parents, local superintendents working together, and local school boards, to develop the curriculum for those students is the best way that it can happen.”

She assured the lawmakers that federal funding for education programs would continue, and expressed her desire to keep working with Congress on both sides of the aisle to address concerns and improve the system.

After her remarks, Rep. Takano attempted to corner McMahon with a question about when she plans to shut down the Department of Education’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.

McMahon, who had already discussed reducing office leases in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, responded briefly, brushing off Takano’s inquiry.

“Well, we’ve had our discussions already,” McMahon said, before thanking the gathered reporters and lawmakers and leaving the press conference.

This morning, I hosted a meeting with House Democrats to hear their concerns.

Our collective goal should be to support students, not the broken bureaucracy. https://t.co/JTusKYQqk6

— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) April 2, 2025

McMahon, who was confirmed as Education Secretary in early March, is tasked with implementing President Trump’s broader goal of dismantling the Department of Education, with the ultimate aim of devolving control of education back to states and local communities.

President Trump has been vocal about his desire to eliminate the department entirely, calling for a smaller federal footprint in education.

In March, President Trump signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the department, though the process will require approval from Congress.

BREAKING: President Donald J. Trump signs an executive order to officially begin the process of closing the Department of Education. pic.twitter.com/A652ZCudOS

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 20, 2025

In the meantime, McMahon is leading efforts to reduce staff, cut spending, and shift responsibilities to other government agencies, including the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

At the press conference, Democrats noted that McMahon had pledged to work within the constraints of federal law while winding down the department. Rep. Takano expressed hope that McMahon would follow through on her commitment.

“[W]e certainly hope that she sticks to what she said to us today, that she is looking to what the statute allows her to do.”

According to reports, McMahon plans to meet with additional Democratic lawmakers, with 75 House Democrats requesting discussions.

The meeting with Takano and other lawmakers on Wednesday was only the first of what could be many such encounters as the debate over the future of the Department of Education continues.

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