Linda McMahon arrives for her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 13, 2025. The draft text of an executive order directs the newly sworn-in secretary of education to take steps to prepare for the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.

McMahon appears to be setting the stage for the dissolution of the department that schools and colleges across the country depend on for funding and support.

Incoming Education Sec. Linda McMahon aims to "send education back to the states and empower all parents to choose an excellent education”