Education secretary nominee Linda McMahon said in her confirmation hearing Thursday that President Donald Trump “understands we will be working with Congress” on plans to change or eliminate the Department of Education.
When pressed by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., about whether she agreed that closing the department would require an act of Congress, McMahon said “we’d like to do this right” and the plan “certainly does require congressional action.”
WATCH: Sen. Murray asks McMahon what she’ll do ‘if Elon Musk tells you not to spend money’
“It is not the president’s goal to defund the programs there’s only to have it operate more efficiently,” she added.
Watch Cassidy’s full questioning of McMahon below.
McMahon, who appeared in a hearing before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, is a former pro-wrestling executive who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. She has little background in education policy, serving about a year on the Connecticut State Board of Education.
The Trump administration, along with efficiency czar Elon Musk, is already moving forward with plans to dismantle the Department of Education, which McMahon would lead if confirmed.
