The Trump administration and its backers have suggested the department has evolved into a weapon wielded by progressives to enforce “woke” education policies and is a waste of

On Feb. 4, 2025, Trump described his plans for Linda McMahon, his nominee for education secretary. “I want Linda to put herself out of a job,” Trump said, according to The Associated Press. A will to fight against so-called “wokeness” and a desire to shrink the government are among the four reasons I have found.