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It was an expected outcome as all of President Donald Trump's nominees have passed confirmation.
Trump has voiced his desire to abolish the Department of Education and transfer school decision-making powers to the states.
"It's a big con job," the president said of the Department of Education, according to Fox News. "They ranked the top countries in the world. We're ranked No. 40, but we're ranked No. 1 in one department: cost per pupil. So, we spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, but we're ranked No. 40."
During her confirmation hearing, McMahon told senators she intended to uphold the president's wishes but suggested she would also respect the nation's system of checks and balances, according to USA Today. Only Congress has the authority to dissolve a federal department.
Educators have voiced concerns that the 76-year-old business executive is not a good fit for the role. In Connecticut, where McMahon lives, advocacy groups urged her to "fully embrace the gravity" of her new position.
"Ensuring equitable access to quality public education, protecting the rights of all students and educators, and ensuring all students — especially those with disabilities and those in high-poverty areas — receive the support and resources they need are vital to safeguarding and advancing the mission of the U.S. Department of Education," said the Connecticut Education Association.
Staff at the Education Department have already faced significant setbacks, including layoffs and ongoing uncertainty following budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
McMahon, a power player in conservative politics, has spent recent years as chair of America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC. Most recently, she led the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank staffed with former Trump administration officials.
This marks the billionaire's second time serving in Trump's Cabinet; she previously led the Small Business Administration during his first term.
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