Heated Moments at the Western Governors Association Conference
At the annual Western Governors Association (WGA) conference on Monday, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stood her ground in the face of widespread opposition to the Trump administration’s proposed education budget cuts. The event, held in Denver, was disrupted multiple times by loud chants from protesters stationed just outside a curtained glass wall behind the panelists. The protests underscored the growing concern among educators, students, and state leaders over the direction of federal education policy under President Donald Trump.
Protesters Voice Their Discontent
Demonstrators gathered outside the venue, holding signs and chanting slogans condemning the administration’s plan to reduce the size and influence of the Department of Education. Many protesters were from teacher unions, student organizations, and education advocacy groups, all united in opposition to the proposed budget and structural changes. The persistent chanting and occasional shouting created a tense backdrop to McMahon’s appearance, highlighting the deeply emotional and political nature of the issue.
McMahon Defends Budget Cuts and State Autonomy
During her panel discussion with several Democratic governors, McMahon staunchly defended the Trump administration’s goal of decentralizing education authority. She reiterated the White House’s position that the federal government has overstepped its bounds in the realm of public education and that states should have greater autonomy in managing schools and curricula.
“The President believes strongly in restoring power to the states,” McMahon said. “We’re not abandoning education — we’re empowering local leaders who know their communities best.”
Her comments drew visible skepticism from governors on the panel, several of whom have publicly criticized the administration’s education policies.
The Executive Order to Close the Department of Education
Tensions escalated following McMahon’s confirmation of the March executive order signed by President Trump. The order directs the Education Secretary to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States.”
While the legality of dismantling a congressionally authorized federal department is currently under judicial review, McMahon insisted that the administration is moving forward with “serious internal evaluations” aimed at reducing the department’s size, influence, and funding.
Critics argue that eliminating the Department of Education would roll back decades of progress in national education standards, civil rights enforcement, and federal support for low-income and disabled students.
FY2026 Budget Proposal: A 15% Cut
Adding to the controversy, the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal includes a substantial 15% reduction in funding for the Department of Education. If enacted, the cuts would affect programs ranging from special education and student loans to school safety and teacher development grants.
“We’re prioritizing efficiency and accountability,” McMahon asserted. “We must ask ourselves whether federal involvement in every aspect of education truly benefits students.”
However, education advocates and many lawmakers warn that the cuts would disproportionately harm vulnerable student populations. The National Education Association (NEA) released a statement calling the proposal “an unprecedented attack on America’s public education system.”
Democratic Governors Push Back
Several Democratic governors used the panel as an opportunity to challenge McMahon’s defense of the administration’s policies. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico called the proposed dismantling of the Education Department “a reckless and ideological stunt,” arguing that it would create chaos for states that rely on federal support.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a former charter school founder, pointed out that “some federal oversight is essential to ensure that every student, regardless of zip code, receives a quality education.”
The panel discussion, intended to be a dialogue about education innovation and inter-state cooperation, quickly turned into a heated debate about the future of the federal role in education.
Legal and Political Hurdles Ahead
Even if the administration continues to push for the closure of the Department of Education, the path forward is uncertain. The department was created in 1979 through congressional legislation, and its dissolution would likely require new legislation or judicial support—both highly unlikely in the current political climate.
Legal experts note that while executive orders can direct administrative reviews and internal changes, they cannot unilaterally overturn acts of Congress.
