Secretary of Education Linda McMahon News Tracker

In the last few days, the U.S. Department of Education, under the guidance of the Secretary of Education, has been at the center of several significant developments and policy changes.

On February 4, 2025, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague letter, clarifying that it will immediately enforce the 2020 Title IX Regulations. This decision follows a court ruling on January 9, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, which vacated the 2024 Title IX Regulations. As a result, educational institutions receiving federal funding must revert to the definitions, procedures, and training requirements outlined in the 2020 regulations. This includes a return to the split investigator and decision-maker model and the requirement for live hearings in colleges and universities[1].

This move is part of a broader set of actions aligned with recent executive orders. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14168, which defines "sex" as an individual's immutable biological classification as either male or female, excluding the concept of "gender identity." This order aims to enforce all sex-protective laws and has implications for how schools handle gender-related issues[1].

Additionally, the Department of Education is set to establish the 1776 Commission within 120 days, as directed by another executive order issued on January 29, 2025. This commission will be part of a strategy to end what is described as "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schooling, focusing on eliminating federal funding for programs that promote gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology. The Secretary of Education, along with other cabinet members, will provide recommendations and a plan to protect parental rights and ensure compliance with relevant laws such as FERPA and the PPRA[5].

There have also been internal changes within the Department of Education. Recent actions include placing workers on administrative leave for attending trainings promoted by former Secretary Betsy DeVos. This has raised concerns about the continuity of critical programs and the handling of sensitive student data. Senators have requested detailed information on these actions, including the steps taken to protect student data privacy and the reasons for the administrative leave or terminations of Department employees since January 20, 2025[3].

These developments highlight a significant shift in educational policy and enforcement under the current administration, with a focus on reversing previous regulations and implementing new guidelines that align with the President's executive orders. The impact of these changes will be closely watched as they unfold in educational institutions across the country.

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In the latest developments, President Donald Trump has been actively pursuing his long-held goal of scaling back the U.S. Department of Education, a move that has significant implications for federal education policies and funding.

Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, as the new Secretary of Education. However, until her Senate confirmation, Denise Carter has been appointed as the acting secretary. Carter, who previously served as the acting chief operating officer of the department’s Office of Federal Student Aid, will lead the department in the interim. Her appointment is part of over 30 similar acting roles Trump has filled across various departments shortly after his inauguration[3][5].

Trump's intention to dismantle the Department of Education is not new, but it has gained renewed momentum in his second term. He has directed McMahon to work towards putting herself "out of a job" by scaling back the department's role, emphasizing his preference for states to manage education rather than the federal government. This approach aligns with his broader policy of promoting school choice and reducing federal involvement in education[1][2].

The Trump administration has already taken several steps to shrink the department's footprint. This includes a hiring freeze across much of the executive branch and efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within the Education Department. Dozens of department staffers have been placed on administrative leave, and a deferred resignation offer has been extended to over 2 million federal employees. However, due to statutory protections, Trump cannot simply fire civil servants or abolish offices and positions created by Congress[1].

Recent executive orders have also impacted the Education Department. For instance, Trump issued an order aimed at ending "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools, which includes plans to eliminate federal funding for schools that support what the administration deems as discriminatory treatment based on gender ideology and equity ideology. Additionally, the administration has reversed Title IX regulations, reverting to the 2020 rules that do not include protections for transgender students and require formal hearings for alleged Title IX violations[4].

The potential dismantling of the Department of Education raises significant concerns about the management of federal education programs and funding. Nearly $69 billion of the department's $103 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year is allocated to Federal Student Aid, which helps students pay for college or career training. The elimination of the department would also impact programs like Head Start and the collection and analysis of national education data[2].

Despite the administrative efforts to downsize the department, any major changes, such as eliminating offices required by statute or reallocatin

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In the last few days, significant developments have emerged regarding the U.S. Department of Education and the role of the Secretary of Education, driven largely by President Donald Trump's executive actions and policy initiatives.

President Trump has been actively using his executive power to shape education policy, particularly in the areas of school choice and the reduction of federal oversight. On the final day of National School Choice Week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the withdrawal of two Notices Inviting Application (NIA) for the State Entity Charter School Grant Program and the Charter Management Organization Grant Program. These notices, published during the Biden administration, were criticized for including excessive regulatory burdens and promoting discriminatory practices. The new approach aims to streamline the application process and align it with President Trump’s commitment to expanding high-quality charter schools, reducing federal micromanagement, and eliminating ideological overreach[1].

As part of this initiative, the Department of Education also released $33 million in grant funding for Charter Management Organizations, which had been stalled by the previous administration. These grants are intended to support the expansion of high-quality educational opportunities, with the stipulation that grant funds cannot be used for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives or race-based discriminatory practices[1].

In a broader context, President Trump is considering an executive order that would direct the Secretary of Education to dismantle the federal Department of Education. This move, which aligns with a long-standing campaign promise, would involve the education secretary submitting a proposal for dismantling the department and would require congressional legislation to finalize. The plan is part of Trump's effort to return education policy to the states, although it faces significant legal and legislative hurdles[4].

Linda McMahon, Trump's nominee for the position of Secretary of Education, has not yet had a Senate confirmation hearing. Her role in this potential restructuring is uncertain, but Trump has indicated that he hopes she will work towards putting herself "out of a job" by successfully dismantling the department[3].

Critics of the plan to dismantle the Department of Education argue that it would have catastrophic effects on students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and students of color. The department plays a crucial role in setting civil rights protections, providing accountability data, and serving as a central hub for educational initiatives. The loss of these functions could significantly impact the equity and quality of education across the country[3][4].

These recent actions and proposals underscore the ongoing tensions between federal and state control over education policy, as well as the ideological divides on issues such as school choice, DEI initiatives, and th

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**Podcast Episode 1: Unveiling the Role of the Secretary of Education - A Comprehensive Guide**

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "What Does The Secretary of Education Do? A 101," hosted by Mortimer the Machine. This episode takes a deep dive into the critical yet often misunderstood role of the Secretary of Education, a key member of the U.S. Cabinet. Discover why this position is pivotal in shaping America's education landscape.

Our journey begins with a historical perspective: the Department of Education was established in 1979, marking it as one of the younger federal departments. However, its impact is significant. As head of the department, the Secretary of Education advises the President on educational policies and oversees a budget of $68 billion, funding programs from federal student aid to K-12 education initiatives.

Explore the Secretary's role in implementing major education laws like No Child Left Behind and the Every Student Succeeds Act. Learn how they collaborate with state and local agencies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and promote equal access to education across all demographics.

We also examine the Secretary’s influence on higher education, civil rights in education, and the importance of educational research and data collection. Meet some notable past Secretaries, each with unique contributions—from Shirley Hufstedler's foundational work to Arne Duncan's Race to the Top initiative. Current Secretary Miguel Cardona's focus areas, including pandemic recovery and tackling student debt, are also discussed.

Uncover common misconceptions, understand the Secretary’s evolving role, and explore future challenges such as AI in education and cybersecurity. This episode addresses the qualities needed to be a successful Secretary and encapsulates the profound influence this position holds in the educational domain.

Join us as we demystify the responsibilities and impact of the Secretary of Education, setting the stage for deeper discussions in upcoming episodes. Subscribe now for insightful explorations into America's educational leadership with Mortimer the Machine.

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