The Trump administration has signaled support for dismantling the Department of Education and could issue an Executive Order to this effect as soon as next week. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also proposed eliminating several federal programs, and a recent Executive Order has halted funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, McMahon stated that she believes the administration’s position involves restructuring rather than outright eliminating education funding. She suggested that states and localities would continue to receive federal funds appropriated by Congress, though certain programs, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), might be reassigned to other agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The recently confirmed Secretary of HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has also expressed support for reducing the scope of federal education programs.
However, DOGE proposals to eliminate various federal programs suggest that the administration’s broader approach could go further than McMahon indicated. In addition to potential funding cuts, DOGE has reportedly interfered with the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the primary federal entity responsible for collecting and analyzing education data. Efforts to halt funding for contractors engaged in education data analysis could severely impact the ability to track student outcomes, assess program effectiveness, and ensure evidence-based policy decisions. Limiting or restructuring IES could also jeopardize student data privacy, as shifting oversight may weaken protections against misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
McMahon stated that she would not engage in unlawful activities such as halting Congressionally appropriated funds. However, the administration’s Executive Orders indicate a broader policy goal of significantly reducing the federal role in education funding.
In her testimony, McMahon expressed support for federally funded schools recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month. However, she did not clarify whether she supports federal funding for clubs or organizations centered around racial, ethnic, or religious identities.
Likewise, it remains uncertain whether McMahon would support continued federal funding for workforce programs that prioritize specific communities. Many workforce development programs include DEI-related components, such as those supporting women in the trades, broadband access for historically marginalized communities, Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs for English language learners, and workforce reentry initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals and opportunity youth. Research and testimonials from workforce training participants emphasize the importance of peer support and community-based learning environments for program completion and career success.
McMahon reiterated her support for expanding Pell Grants to short-term, high-quality credential programs. She also emphasized the importance of apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning as pathways into the labor market. Additionally, she advocated for increased awareness of skills-based trades among youth prior to graduation.
However, she did not outline specific policy proposals to achieve these goals, nor did she address how workforce development initiatives would be affected if the Department of Education underwent significant restructuring or funding reductions. Career and Technical Education and Adult Education groups have expressed concerns that shifting funding streams from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor could weaken the programs’ educational components, reduce funding stability, and create administrative burdens for states that have built systems around existing funding structures.
The Senate HELP Committee primarily focused on antisemitism on college campuses and transgender athletes in collegiate sports. The committee barely discussed workforce development topics, including industry partnerships, support for working families, and small business workforce initiatives.
With public support for workforce and education policies remaining strong, NSC continues to advocate for robust federal investment in skills training as a cornerstone of economic growth and opportunity. Join us at the Skills Summit in May to continue the conversation and to advocate for workforce funding.
