Education secretary defends 15.3% cut to agency in ‘final mission’

In Washington D.C., Secretary of Education Linda McMahon defended a proposed budget cut of 15.3% during a hearing at the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education. President Donald Trump’s budget request aims to reduce funding for the Education Department by approximately $12 billion. McMahon highlighted her focus on supporting charter schools, improving literacy rates, and returning education control to states. The proposed budget includes an increase in funding for charter schools by $60 million, while higher education programs face cuts. Democrats criticized McMahon’s plans, expressing concerns about the impact on students’ access to college and the oversight of education resources. McMahon clarified that the agency aims to reallocate programs to other departments and maintain support for essential initiatives like Title I-A and the Disabilities Education Act. The budget proposal also includes reductions in funding for programs promoting diversity and inclusion. The Education Department has faced calls for closure, with an executive order signed by Trump directing steps to facilitate its shutdown.