All4Ed CEO on McMahon’s confirmation and Trump’s education policy: 'The Department of Education is not a political pawn'

Amy Loyd, CEO of All4Ed, expressed concerns regarding Linda McMahon's confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education and its implications for the Trump administration's education policies and commitment to public schools. Loyd's statement was issued in a press release on March 3.

"The U.S. Senate confirmed Linda McMahon as our new U.S. Secretary of Education," said Loyd. "President Trump's threats to dismantle the Department of Education are an assault on public education. The administration has transformed the Office of Civil Rights into a tool against diversity and inclusion."

All4Ed conducted a national poll indicating that 58% of voters oppose eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, while 29% support it. Opposition is notably stronger among Democrats, with 76% against abolishing the department, compared to 44% of Republicans. Republican voters appear more divided on the issue.

According to WUSF, Linda McMahon, previously a WWE executive and Small Business Administration leader, was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Education in a 51-45 party-line Senate vote despite her limited experience in education. The White House has indicated plans to dismantle the Department of Education, assigning McMahon to oversee this effort; however, Congress must approve its closure. During her confirmation hearing, which was interrupted by protesters, McMahon said that the education system is declining and pledged to prioritize support for teachers over bureaucrats.

The New York Post reports that the U.S. Department of Education manages key federal aid programs such as Title I for low-income schools, Pell Grants for college students, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for public-sector workers. The potential elimination of the department raises concerns about funding continuity and oversight despite assurances from the Trump administration that these programs will continue. Critics argue that dismantling the department could disrupt administration and reduce accountability.

Forbes reveals that a leaked memo confirms President Trump's plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education via executive order by directing staff to identify and eliminate non-statutory programs. While the administration claims this will reduce bureaucracy and return control to states, critics argue that removing federal oversight will disrupt key education policies, limit protections for marginalized students, and complicate program administration like Title I and Pell Grants.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Loyd is CEO of All4Ed, a national education policy organization advocating for equity and excellence in public schools. Before joining All4Ed in October 2024, she served as assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education overseeing career pathways and workforce initiatives.