McMahon Testifies Before House Panel on Budget Plans, 2025, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon laid out the Trump administration’s bold vision for transforming the American education system. The focal point of the discussion was the fiscal year 2026 budget, which proposes significant changes to how education is funded and managed in the United States. With a proposed 15% cut to the Department of Education’s budget, McMahon’s testimony sparked both excitement and concern as she outlined plans to overhaul admissions processes, prioritize school choice, and shift education responsibilities back to the states. This article dives into the key points of her testimony, the proposed budget, and what it means for students, parents, and educators across the country.

A New Vision for Education

Linda McMahon, a former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and a key figure in the Trump administration, took the helm as Education Secretary with a clear mandate: to reshape the U.S. education system. During the hearing, she emphasized that the 2026 budget aligns with President Donald Trump’s goal of reducing federal involvement in education while empowering states and families. McMahon described her role as the “final mission” to responsibly wind down the Department of Education, a department she believes has grown too bureaucratic since its creation in 1980.

The proposed budget, often referred to as the “skinny budget,” calls for a $12 billion reduction in federal education spending, bringing the Department of Education’s budget from roughly $80 billion in 2025 to $66.7 billion in 2026. This 15% cut has raised eyebrows among lawmakers and education advocates, with some praising the move as a step toward efficiency and others warning it could harm vulnerable students. McMahon defended the cuts, arguing they target “duplicative, unaligned, or non-essential programs” to save taxpayer dollars while maintaining critical funding for programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Overview of the 2026 Education Budget Proposal

Key Points:

• Budget Reduction: The Department of Education’s budget will be reduced by $12 billion, a 15% cut from the 2025 fiscal year.
• Preserved Funding: Title I, Part A (grants for low-income schools) and IDEA (special education) will maintain current funding levels.
• Block Grants: 18 K-12 programs will be consolidated into a $2 billion block grant to states, giving them more flexibility.
• School Choice: Increased funding for charter school grants to expand parental options.
• Agency Downsizing: The Department of Education has already cut its workforce by half and canceled $900 million in research and mental health grants.

Goals:

• Reduce federal bureaucracy and return education control to states.
• Prioritize school choice to ensure parents can select the best education for their children.
• Improve literacy rates through evidence-based approaches like the science of reading.

School Choice and Admissions Reform

One of the cornerstones of McMahon’s testimony was her commitment to expanding school choice, a priority she said reflects President Trump’s focus on ensuring “no student is imprisoned in a failing school.” The 2026 budget proposes increasing funding for charter school grants and introducing federal block grants to states. These grants would allow state leaders to decide how best to allocate funds, whether for public schools, charter schools, or private school vouchers.

McMahon argued that school choice empowers parents to make the best educational decisions for their children. She pointed to the success of charter schools and voucher programs in some states, suggesting they foster competition and drive better outcomes. However, critics like Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, expressed concern that this approach could divert critical funding from public schools, where 90% of American students are enrolled. DeLauro described the budget as “leaving every child behind,” arguing that voucher programs often benefit private schools that lack public accountability.

The proposed admissions overhaul ties closely to this focus on choice. McMahon hinted at reforms that would simplify and decentralize the admissions process, allowing states to set their own standards and reduce federal oversight. While specific details remain unclear, the plan could involve streamlining applications for charter and private schools, making it easier for parents to access alternative education options. McMahon also suggested that admissions processes should prioritize student outcomes over bureaucratic requirements, though she offered few specifics on how this would be implemented.

Addressing Literacy and Academic Performance

Another key theme of McMahon’s testimony was the need to improve literacy rates, which she described as a core reason for students’ lackluster academic performance. Citing the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which showed stagnant math scores and a two-point drop in reading scores Huntington’s disease scores for fourth and eighth graders, McMahon stressed the importance of returning to “the basics” like phonics and the science of reading. She highlighted the “Mississippi miracle,” where the state significantly improved reading scores through evidence-based literacy programs.

Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican from Maryland, echoed McMahon’s concerns, noting that students who cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade face significant challenges in future learning. The budget proposal aims to support states in adopting similar literacy-focused reforms, though McMahon faced criticism for the administration’s decision to cancel $1 billion in federal mental health grants and $900 million in research contracts. These cuts, Democrats argued, could hinder efforts to track student progress and address mental health challenges that impact learning.

Controversy and Concerns

McMahon’s testimony was not without controversy. Democrats on the subcommittee, including Rep. Lois Frankel of New York, pressed her on whether she would commit to spending funds as directed by Congress, especially if lawmakers reject Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education. McMahon reassured lawmakers that she would follow the law but remained firm in her support for reducing the department’s role. She also faced questions about the administration’s handling of student loans, with concerns raised about borrowers at risk of default due to recent policy changes.

Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat from Wisconsin, challenged McMahon on the influence of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been involved in significant layoffs and contract cancellations at the Education Department. McMahon insisted that she, not DOGE, runs the department, though she acknowledged that 1,300 employees were fired and 600 took buyouts before her arrival. These workforce reductions, combined with the proposed budget cuts, have fueled fears that essential programs, such as those supporting low-income students and students with disabilities, could be at risk.

Implications for the Future

The 2026 budget proposal and McMahon’s testimony signal a significant shift in how education is approached at the federal level. By prioritizing school choice and state control, the Trump administration aims to create a more flexible, parent-driven system. However, the lack of specific details about which programs will be consolidated or eliminated has left many educators and advocates uneasy. For example, McMahon’s suggestion that programs like IDEA could be better managed by other agencies, such as Health and Human Services, raised concerns about potential disruptions in services for students with disabilities.

Rural communities, in particular, may face challenges under the proposed changes. Rep. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, noted that many rural areas lack private school options, meaning voucher programs may not benefit families in those regions. This could exacerbate inequalities between urban and rural schools, leaving some communities with fewer resources.

What’s Next?

The 2026 budget is still in its early stages, with a more detailed proposal expected soon. McMahon emphasized that the administration will work with Congress to implement these changes, acknowledging that closing the Department of Education entirely would require congressional approval. As budget negotiations continue, lawmakers on both sides will likely push for clarity on how the proposed cuts will affect specific programs and whether they align with the needs of students and families.

For parents, the promise of greater school choice and simplified admissions processes may offer new opportunities, but it comes with questions about equity and access. For educators, the proposed cuts and restructuring raise concerns about job security and the ability to serve all students effectively. As the debate unfolds, the 2026 budget will likely remain a lightning rod for discussions about the future of American education.

Conclusion

Linda McMahon’s testimony before the House panel on May 21, 2025, offered a glimpse into a transformative and controversial vision for education in the United States. With a focus on school choice, literacy, and reducing federal bureaucracy, the 2026 budget proposal seeks to reshape how students access education. While supporters see it as a step toward innovation and parental empowerment, critics warn that it could undermine public schools and leave vulnerable students behind. As the Trump administration moves forward with its plans, the nation will be watching closely to see how these changes impact classrooms, communities, and the future of learning.

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