Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the Trump administration's 15% budget cut to the Department of Education before Congress. While preserving Title I and IDEA funding for K-12, the proposal cuts programs like TRIO for low-income college students and a billion dollars in mental health grants for schools. McMahon argued that states should handle such programs, citing concerns about accountability and the potential influence of DEI initiatives. Republicans supported the cuts, citing ineffective educational outcomes, while Democrats expressed concern over the impact on vulnerable students and the potential for significant cuts to workforce development programs. McMahon also suggested colleges should share responsibility for student loan repayment.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.