Clash Over Cost-Cutting: HELP Committee Grills McMahon on DOGE’s Plans
During a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, President Donald Trump’s Department of Education nominee, Linda McMahon, faced scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers over the ongoing cost-cutting efforts undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
McMahon: Congressional Mandate Guides Actions
McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), expressed her support for addressing waste, fraud, and abuse within the government. However, when pressed by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) on whether she would implement the cuts suggested by DOGE, she emphasized her adherence to congressional statute, stating that "that’s the law."
Dems Express Concerns Over DOGE’s Role
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) raised concerns about DOGE’s access to private student data, arguing that their probes should "frighten everyone." McMahon responded by stating that DOGE employees were onboarded as Department of Education employees and operated under the same data access restrictions.
Murray, however, disputed this understanding, leading to a heated exchange between the two. She expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability among DOGE staffers and the potential risks to students’ privacy.
McMahon: Grants Under Review
The hearing also addressed the cancellation of over $100 million in grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training by the Department of Education, a move spearheaded by DOGE. McMahon acknowledged the termination of these grants but indicated that she needed to further study the remaining programs before making any decisions.
Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins (ME) expressed concern about potential cuts to grants for tutoring, while McMahon assured her that worthwhile programs would be preserved.
DOGE’s Spending Audits
DOGE has embarked on a campaign to reduce spending within the DOE. In addition to terminating DEI-related contracts, the agency also canceled a $1.5 million contract for observing mailing and clerical operations at a mail center.
Musk has been vocal in his criticism of the DOE’s spending, stating that taxpayer dollars were being wasted on DEI initiatives. DOGE has reported that the department had allocated over $881 million to such programs.
McMahon: No Contact with Musk
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding DOGE’s actions, McMahon testified that she had not had any direct conversations with Elon Musk regarding the Department of Education.
Discordance Between Dem and GOP Views
The hearing highlighted the sharp divide between Democrats and Republicans on the role of DOGE and the future of the Department of Education. Democrats expressed concerns over excessive cost-cutting and the potential erosion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Republicans, on the other hand, supported the efforts to streamline government spending and reduce perceived bureaucratic bloat.
The fate of McMahon’s nomination and the future of DOGE’s influence over the Department of Education remains uncertain. It is clear, however, that these issues will continue to be a source of debate and scrutiny in the months to come.
