Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Wednesday pledged to follow the law as the Trump administration works to dismantle the Department of Education.
Testifying before a House Appropriations subcommittee, McMahon said the department has failed to boost student achievement and that the 2026 budget proposes block grants to states to reduce red tape and spur classroom innovation.
“Thank you for having me today to represent a department on a mission… to wind down the Department of Education responsibility,” McMahon said. The proposed budget would cut $12 billion, or 15%, eliminating funding for 18 K-12 programs. It preserves Title 1 and IDEA funding and boosts charter school support.
McMahon added the plan includes “smart spending that will help improve student achievement.”
Republicans welcomed the effort. “Students deserve better,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt. But Democrats opposed it, citing funding cuts and alleged unlawful fund withholding.
“This budget… should be described as leaving every child behind,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro. “You will not have the partnership of Congress in your efforts to destroy… public education.”