(972) 510-3395 | [email protected] (Washington, DC) – Linda McMahon showed a lack of qualification and expertise during questioning for her Secretary of the Department of Education (ED) confirmation hearing today. Throughout her questioning by the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, McMahon failed to provide clarity and confidence in her answers. When confronted if she agreed with the dismantling of ED, McMahon refused to give a definitive answer that she would stand up to President Trump’s attempts to gut the agency without legislative action. This hearing was McMahon’s opportunity to assert her positions regarding dismantling the department, student debt, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), yet her responses left us more unassured than reassured. It is expected the Senate HELP Committee will hold a vote to move McMahon’s confirmation to the floor next Thursday. In response, Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles said:
“Linda McMahon is not only unfit to be Secretary but is an immense threat to the future of the Department of Education and our students. When questioned, McMahon was unable to provide clear support for ED, the very department she will be responsible for, but instead gave misleading and ambiguous responses. She indicated complete support for President Trump’s agenda with the Department of Education – which he has vowed to dismantle altogether. Her responses made it evident that she is not only a threat to ED, but to the very fiber of education. Throughout the hearing, McMahon seemed more focused on culture war grievances, rather than how she would support making college more affordable and reduce the burden of student debt. Outside of a halfhearted assurance she would uphold Public Service Loan Forgiveness, McMahon failed to address the student loan crisis or provide solutions that would bring borrowers much needed relief. With student loan repayment programs, such as SAVE, on the chopping block and borrowers’ livelihood at stake, McMahon fumbled her opportunity to assure borrowers she would protect them. While some claim it to be a strength, her untraditional business background makes McMahon out of touch with what today’s students need to succeed. Education is a public good, and the Department is not a corporation. As ED battles an uncertain future fueled by the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) deliberate funding cuts, its leader must be a bold advocate for students and public education, and McMahon falls short. American students, borrowers, educators, and families deserve a Secretary of Education who is, at the very least, qualified for the job and will lead with honesty. It is a reckless and misguided decision to confirm McMahon as Secretary of Education.”
###
Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emma Bittner