Linda McMahon's Education Mission

Linda McMahon is in a tough spot. She's been chosen to lead the Department of Education, but there's a catch. The president who picked her wants the department to be shut down. This is an unusual situation, as the person in charge of an organization is being asked to dismantle it. McMahon's hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is expected to focus on this plan. The president's idea is to have the education secretary break down the department as much as possible and then ask Congress to finish the job. Democrats are ready to question McMahon about her role in this plan. They're worried that shutting down the department could hurt public education. The department handles billions of dollars for schools, manages student loans, and enforces civil rights in education. Democrats want to know if McMahon will protect these important programs. McMahon has a background in business, not education. She made her fortune as the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and has given millions to the president's campaigns. She's also been involved in education in Connecticut, but her experience is limited compared to previous secretaries. McMahon has talked about expanding school choice and focusing on apprenticeships. She once planned to be a teacher but ended up in the business world. Some groups, like the National Education Association, are against her nomination. They think she might not support important education protections. Republicans, however, see McMahon's business background as a plus. They believe she can bring change to the education department. Senator Bill Cassidy, who chairs the health and education committee, thinks McMahon can return power to parents and reform the department. The president hasn't signed an order to shut down the department yet. Some of McMahon's advisers want to delay the plan until after her hearing. It's a complicated situation, and it's clear that McMahon has a big challenge ahead of her.