(NewsNation) — Newly confirmed Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon believes student loans, Pell Grants and other federal aid “might best be served in another department,” though it’s unclear which that would be.
“We’re looking at them all across the board, and how can they be best handled if the Department of Education, you know, does not exist,” McMahon told “NewsNation Live” on Friday.
Linda McMahon gives Education staffers their ‘final mission’
McMahon reiterated that her “mission” of dissolving the department she’s tasked with leading has not changed — but even if the department shutters, she said federal funding isn’t expected to end.
“This is not a turn off the lights and walk out of the department,” McMahon said. “It’s with close consultation with Congress and looking how the needs of students can best be serviced.”
Linda McMahon: Executive order doesn’t change Education Department ‘mission’
Trump on Thursday was expected to sign an executive order asking McMahon to dissolve the agency she’s tasked with leading, though the White House later reversed course. An official told NewsNation the administration will continue to review the department in the meantime.
“The President campaigned on this. He’s been crystal clear that he wants to see the Department of Education closed, and he’d like to see it done sooner rather than later,” McMahon said. “But he understands that we need to work with Congress. There are certain things that are in statute.”
List of Social Security Administration offices DOGE is closing
McMahon said she feels her job is to secure the administration the 60 necessary Senate votes — and Congressional approval — to dissolve the department.
“I think my job is to convince Congress that the steps that we are taking are in the best interest of the kids,” McMahon said.
The department has been on the chopping block since Trump’s presidential campaign, when he advocated for giving education power to the states.
Education Dept. shutdown ‘needs to be priority’: Jonathan Butcher
300+ workers took Education Department buyout: Linda McMahon
The Education Department sent an email to employees Feb. 28 offering a $25,000 cash payout if they resign by Monday, March 3, at midnight.
The email, first reported by Politico, was sent by department official Jacqueline Clay and gave employees until 11:59 p.m. on Monday to make a decision.
McMahon told NewsNation on Friday that “over 300 people” accepted the payout during the four-day window.
NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report.
