Linda McMahon defends dismantling the Education Department, shifting its work

May 15, 2026 - 00:01

Education Secretary Linda McMahon faced tough questions on Capitol Hill Wednesday as she defended the administration's plan to shrink the Department of Education and shift most of its responsibilities to other federal agencies and state governments. During a hearing before the House Education and Workforce Committee, McMahon argued that the move would reduce bureaucratic waste and give local school districts more control over classrooms.

Lawmakers pressed her on several key issues, including the future of federal student loan programs and the department's role in enforcing the rights of students with disabilities. McMahon acknowledged that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, would still require federal oversight, but she suggested that function could be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services. Critics warned that such a shift could weaken protections for millions of special education students.

The hearing also touched on limits to federal student loan borrowing. McMahon said the administration wants to cap certain loan programs to curb rising debt, though she offered few specifics. Several Democratic lawmakers accused the administration of gutting a department that helps low-income students and enforces civil rights in schools. McMahon countered that the goal is efficiency, not elimination of services, and that the changes would take years to fully implement.