McMahon: DOE shutdown proves states can lead K-12 and HE without federal micromanagement

US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the recent DOE shutdown showed federal micromanagement is largely unnecessary, empowering states to oversee K-12 and higher education programmes. In USA Today, she noted that schools continued operating, teachers were paid, and student activities were unaffected. McMahon highlighted ongoing state-led reforms, Title I funding flexibilities, higher education funding changes, and partnerships with the Department of Labor. The Trump administration aims to reduce federal bureaucracy while protecting critical student services and civil rights.