Trump Education Secretary Crashes House Democrats’ Protest For Civil Exchange, But Dodges On Key Question

Education Secretary Linda McMahon joined House Democrats outside her department headquarters on Wednesday as Democrats spoke to the media and protested the Trump administration’s moves to shutter the Education Department.

“And they do not have a plan. So they are de facto restructuring this entity along a corporate model without a plan and without an effort to really protect our students,” began Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), adding:

So we wanna be clear about that. I wanna say one other thing, the mood in the room, it was very collegial. We are extraordinarily grateful to the secretary that she joined us, thank you. She’s here, perhaps I should give her the podium. We’re extraordinarily grateful that the secretary gave us the space to have these conversations. But with all due respect, madam, I think my biggest concern is that the states will not be able to protect the programs and services that you would like to devolve with them.

Stansbury then turned over the podium to McMahon, who also struck a civil and conciliatory tone.

“Good morning, everyone. Thanks so much for coming. And I just want to express my gratitude to all of these folks who came today so that we can have an open discussion about what I believe is one of the most important things that we could have a discussion on or action on in our country, and that is the education of our young people. As Representative Takano said as we were ending the meeting, which I thought was incredibly appropriate, and this is not a partisan issue. This is about the children of America,” McMahon said.

Closing her remarks, the education secretary added, “And I believe, and I know the president does believe this as well, the best education is that that is closest to the child, where teachers and parents, local superintendents, working together and local school boards to develop the curriculum for those students is the best way that it can happen.” She continued:

Funding from the United States government will continue through the programs that have already been established and I will look forward to continuing to work with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and I welcome the fact that these folks came today and express their concerns and shared in an open collegial format. their concerns and how we can lead now to work more together. That’s the way it ought to operate and I’m very happy to have had them here. So I’m going to let them answer the questions. I wanted to come out and have this.

Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) then jumped in, “While you’re here, can you just ask a question? When are you going to shut down this building?”

“Well, we’ve had our discussions already, so thank you all very, very much for coming,” McMahon replied, referring to an apparent earlier discussion.

“As you see, she’s not answering the question when she’s going to shut down the Department of Education. She doesn’t have a plan, and while she doesn’t a plan they’re continuing to look at firing people, reduction in rifts, reduction of force, maybe doing it with a velvet glove but still has the effect of an iron fist,” Takano replied.

Watch the clip above via C-SPAN.