TRUMP EDUCATION Shakeup Ignites Senate Outrage
— Education Secretary Linda McMahon faced tough questions as she defended President Trump’s 2026 education budget before the Senate. The plan slashes funding for higher education, federal grants, and after-school programs. At the same time, it boosts charter school funding from $50 million to $600 million. McMahon said this would help kids escape failing schools and give parents more choices.
Democrats attacked the cuts, claiming they would hurt poor students and struggling public schools. Senator John Kennedy grilled McMahon about college grant math, which led to confusion and media jokes about her mistakes. Senator Tammy Baldwin pushed for answers on after-school funds, but McMahon did not give a clear response — raising concerns about transparency in the Department of Education.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito demanded to know how Jewish students would be protected from antisemitism if civil rights office funds were cut. McMahon pointed to actions against Columbia and Harvard as proof that Trump’s team will not allow antisemitism or discrimination on campus. Still, Democrats warned that cutting resources could leave vulnerable students at risk.
McMahon stood firm that lowering college costs and expanding school choice are top goals for President Trump’s administration. The hearing showed deep divisions over education policy as Congress gets ready for more heated debate over these bold changes.;
