NCJW Opposes Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education Department

February 10, 2025

United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
428 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member Sanders, and Committee Members:

On behalf of the 225,000 advocates of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), I am writing to share our strong opposition to the nomination of Linda McMahon to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Education.

The Department of Education oversees and coordinates policy and funding for 50 million students across the United States, ensuring America’s students succeed in school and in life. Its role includes protecting students’ civil rights by enforcing antidiscrimination laws; providing funding for public schools through Pell Grants and managing student loan programs to undergraduate students; ensuring special education for the 95% of children with disabilities in America that attend public schools; and supporting low-income students through Title I programs that fund teachers in rural, suburban, and urban communities; among other foundational supports.

Yet, Linda McMahon, nominated to lead a department critical to the nation’s education system, has minimal experience in the field. As board chair of the America First Policy Institute — a right-wing think tank partnering with President Trump to implement Project 2025, a plan to weaken federal agencies and roll back essential rights — she is fully aligned with its agenda. A co-chair of President Trump’s transition team, Ms. McMahon has made clear that, if confirmed, she would follow through on the president’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. If prioritizing loyalty over expertise and disregarding the future of students is the standard for qualification, then Linda McMahon fits the bill.

Our students deserve better. Someone with so little experience, and who intends to dismantle this essential agency responsible for protecting students from discrimination and advancing educational equity, should be a nonstarter. NCJW urges you to reject the nomination of Linda McMahon for the role of Education Secretary.

Sincerely,

Jody Rabhan

Chief Policy Officer
National Council of Jewish Women