President Trump has said he wants to do away with the department, and in her first hours as education secretary, Linda McMahon indicated she would follow his lead.
Linda McMahon’s first act as secretary of education was to instruct staff to prepare for its “final mission,” her clearest indication yet of how she will work to fulfill President Trump’s goal of shuttering the department.
Ms. McMahon’s missive, sent via email shortly after she was sworn in on Monday, was just the latest thunderclap for federal workers, teachers and school administrators anticipating seismic changes to the nation’s education system.
Ms. McMahon’s message broadly outlined a “disruption” to the education system that would have a “profound impact.” The changes to the status quo, she said, would be “daunting.”
“This is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service to future generations of students,” Ms. McMahon wrote.
“I hope you will join me in ensuring that when our final mission is complete,” she continued, “we will all be able to say that we left American education freer, stronger and with more hope for the future.”
Mr. Trump has been blunt about his desire to do away with the department entirely, including a recent remark that he hoped Ms. McMahon would effectively put herself out of a job.