DONKEY: U.S. Education Secretary Flubs Basic Math & Facts During Senate Hearing

Summary

The Breakfast Club Podcast Summary

Title: DONKEY: U.S. Education Secretary Flubs Basic Math & Facts During Senate Hearing
Host/Authors: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Description: The Breakfast Club is renowned as the world's most dangerous morning show, featuring candid conversations with influential figures. Hosted by DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God, the show delves into pressing societal issues with unfiltered honesty.

---

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with a mix of sponsor messages and brief introductions. The hosts transition swiftly into the main topic, showcasing their trademark blend of humor and critical analysis.

---

2. Main Focus: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's Senate Hearing

The central theme of this episode revolves around the recent Senate hearing of Linda McMahon, the United States Secretary of Education. The discussion highlights her performance, specifically focusing on notable slips in basic math and historical facts.

Charlamagne Tha God opens the segment by awarding Linda McMahon the "Donkey of the Day," criticizing her qualifications for the role. He states:

“Her qualifications are thinner than my hairline.”
[06:02]

He further elaborates on McMahon's background, pointing out her tenure on the Connecticut State Board of Education, her role with Sacred Heart University, and her unsuccessful Senate campaigns. Charlamagne questions the meritocracy in political appointments, suggesting her connection with Donald Trump was pivotal in her appointment despite apparent shortcomings.

---

3. Detailed Breakdown of the Senate Hearing Failures

DJ Envy delves deeper into the specifics of McMahon's Senate hearing mishaps, categorizing them into two main areas: mathematical errors and historical inaccuracies.

Mathematical Mishaps:

During the hearing, McMahon struggled with simple arithmetic. For instance, when asked about the national ranking in math in 1979, she incorrectly stated:

“We were very, very low on the totem pole.”
[04:03]

A Republican Representative corrected her:

“We're number one in 1979.”
[04:05]

DJ Envy mocked the discrepancy:

“Jesus.”
[04:07]

Another mathematical error occurred when discussing budget expenditures. McMahon miscalculated a budget figure, leading to confusion over federal spending:

“I think that's right, sir.”
[04:41]

A caller further pointed out the mistake:

“That would be $12 billion, not a trillion dollars.”
[05:24]

DJ Envy encapsulates the issue:

“Can we do some historical hiccups while we're here?”
[05:31]

Historical Inaccuracies:

McMahon's lack of knowledge extended to significant historical events. When questioned about the Tulsa Race Massacre and Ruby Bridges' "Through My Eyes," her responses were evasive and lacking substantive answers:

“I'd like to look into it more and get back to you on it.”
[05:39]

“I haven't read that.”
[05:50]

Further probing revealed her inability to categorize Holocaust education within DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs, leading to frustration among the hosts:

“Is Holocaust education a DEI program?”
[06:41]

“We should be able to teach course.”
[06:43]

Jessica’s Perspective:

Jess Hilarious challenges McMahon directly on DEI programs, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in education. Her insistence for clear answers highlighted the gravity of the misinformation:

“My point is they are DEI programs, both of them...”
[06:57]

---

4. Hosts' Analysis and Commentary

The hosts collectively express disappointment and concern over McMahon's performance, underscoring the implications of having an Education Secretary lacking fundamental knowledge.

DJ Envy analogizes the situation humorously yet pointedly:

“Linda can script the undertaker coming back from the dead, but can't script a coherent answer to how numbers work.”
[08:00]

He criticizes the meritocratic process within the Trump administration, suggesting appointments are based on loyalty rather than competence:

“Linda got this job because she's friends with Donald Trump.”
[08:30]

Charlamagne Tha God and Jess reinforce the sentiment, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the nation's education system. They argue that such incompetence at high levels undermines public trust and jeopardizes educational policies.

---

5. Broader Implications and Societal Impact

The episode transitions to discussing the broader ramifications of McMahon's shortcomings. The hosts highlight how leadership blunders can affect national education standards and public perception.

DJ Envy warns:

“The implications for the nation's education system are no laughing matter.”
[09:00]

He calls for a reassessment of the qualifications required for high-ranking government positions, using McMahon as a case study for systemic issues within political appointments.

---

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a return to lighter segments, including sponsor messages and promotional content. However, the hosts leave listeners with a lingering concern about the state of education leadership in the U.S.

DJ Envy concludes with a satirical yet serious remark:

“Perhaps it's time to consider whether the role of Education Secretary should require, at the very least, a firm grasp on elementary math.”
[09:50]

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Charlamagne Tha God: “Her qualifications are thinner than my hairline.”
  [06:02]

• DJ Envy: “Jesus.”
  [04:07]

• Jess Hilarious: “My point is they are DEI programs, both of them...”
  [06:57]

• DJ Envy: “Linda can script the undertaker coming back from the dead, but can't script a coherent answer to how numbers work.”
  [08:00]

• DJ Envy: “Perhaps it's time to consider whether the role of Education Secretary should require, at the very least, a firm grasp on elementary math.”
  [09:50]

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Breakfast Club starkly illustrates the challenges and controversies surrounding political appointments in the U.S. education sector. Through incisive commentary and pointed criticism, the hosts shed light on the potential repercussions of having leadership that may lack essential competencies. The discussion serves as a call to listeners to remain vigilant and advocate for qualified individuals in positions that shape the future of education.

Transcript

[Katherine Townsend]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Meetings, deadlines, emails. Don't you wish you could escape the chaos? That's where the all new Nissan Murano comes in. With available features like the relaxing massaging seats to ease stress and the beautiful skyline views that bring in natural light. It's like cruising in your personal Oasis. And if you need to set a vibe, 64 colors of personalized lighting and a Bose premium sound system have you covered. Hands down, the all new Nissan Murano is your stress free getaway. Sometimes the greatest rush isn't rushing at all. Drive the all new Nissan Murano today.

[Angela Yee]

Panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, bows and massaging leather. Appointed seats are optional features.

[Katherine Townsend]

Over the years of making my true crime podcast Hell and Gone, I've learned no town is too small for murder. I'm Katherine Townsend. I've heard from hundreds of people across the country with an unsolved murder in their community.

[Caller]

I was calling about the murder of my husband.

[DJ Envy]

The murder is still out there.

[Katherine Townsend]

Each week I investigate a new case. If there is a case we should Hear about, call 678-744-6145. Listen to Helen Gone Murderline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever your podcast.

[DJ Envy]

This is America. There is no question that there are.

[Jess]

Problems in this country between police and community.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, you are a donkey. The latest on that police killing of a black man. Now to new developments in the deadly spa shooting rampage.

[Representative]

And yesterday was a really bad day for him.

[DJ Envy]

And this is what he did.

[Angela Yee]

And so we are in a state of emergency.

[DJ Envy]

Okay. White supremacist violence is, it always has been, the number one threat to our society. But I'm also very proud that my wife. Breakfast Club bitches. All right, Charlene, please tell me, why was I your donkey of the day? Well, donkey of the day for Thursday, June 5, goes to Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Yes, Linda McMahon, former CEO of WWE, is the United States Secretary of Education. What is this Secretary of Education? Well, the Secretary is responsible for the overall direction, supervision and coordination of all activities of the Department of Education. And she is the principal advisor to the President. President on federal policies, programs and activities related to education in America. Now, what qualifications does Linda McMahon have to be in this role? Some would say that her qualifications are thinner than my hairline. Okay. She has had two years on Connecticut State Board of Education, many years on the Board of Trustees of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, and two years as chief of the U.S. small Business Administration. And she's run two unsuccessful campaigns for U.S. senator and during that campaign, she proved that she didn't know much about government. So when she got the role of Secretary of Education, plenty people knew she wouldn't be mistaken for a great educator. So what ended up getting her the job as Education Secretary? Well, her one main qualification was she was caked up. Oh, she had that bread. She made a lot of money by being the CEO of WWE. She was married to Vince McMahon for 58 years. So, you know, having that kind of money got her close to people like Donald Trump. And now Trump is president. So he said, hey, Linda, come run this department. And I'm talking about shutting down our dismantling. Now, I had to give you a little backstory on Linda so you understand why she is getting donkey of the day today. Okay? In a recent Senate hearing, Linda McMahon was tasked with defending the Trump administration's 2026 education budget. Now, keep in mind, like a lot of people in Trump's administration, folks have said Linda is not qualified for the role she is in. Okay. People have said she's out of her death and ill informed about the Department of Education, the department she is currently leading. Well, this Senate hearing didn't help. Okay. It was a lot of math mishaps and historical hiccups. Would you like to hear it? Let's start with some of the math mishaps first.

[Senator]

Secretary McMahon, of course, testified before the Senate today. And Republican senators kind of did their level best to lob her softball questions and make it look like she kind of knows what she's doing.

[Representative]

What was we ranked nationally in math and reading in 1979?

[Linda McMahon]

We were very, very low on the totem pole.

[Representative]

We're number one in 1979.

[DJ Envy]

Jesus.

[Senator]

We were very, very low on the totem pole. Actually, we were number one. Very awkward. That's Secretary of Education, everyone.

[DJ Envy]

Simple question. You were asked where we were ranked in math in 1979. We were number one. That's not hard to understand. Okay, all right, let's stay on the math. There was a math problem in there. Right. Let's listen.

[Representative]

We spend $1.858 billion a year on trio.

[Linda McMahon]

Yes.

[Representative]

That's 1,580 million dollars a year. So my math, right?

[Linda McMahon]

I think that's right, sir.

[Representative]

And how long have we been spending fifteen eighty million dollars a year on this program? More than ten years.

[Linda McMahon]

Yes.

[Representative]

So that's over a trillion dollars.

[Senator]

Okay. I understand that we was not ranked number one in math recently either, but something there seems off. Right. Don't have to be a mathematician. Maybe there's a Democrat on this committee who can help them out a little bit?

[Caller]

Madam Secretary, and I'm not a great mathematician, but I think you were talking about a trillion dollars. I believe 1.5 billion times 10 is $15 billion. That's a little bit off from a trillion dollars, but I think the.

[Linda McMahon]

The budget cuts. 1.2 billion.

[Caller]

Well, 1.2. That would be $12 billion, not a trillion dollars.

[Senator]

Okay.

[DJ Envy]

Jesus Christ. Can we do some historical hiccups while we're here? Let's do some historical hiccups.

[Angela Yee]

Do you know what the Tulsa race massacre is?

[Linda McMahon]

I'd like to look into it more and get back to you on it.

[Angela Yee]

Okay, so I look forward to that. How about the book Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges, for instance?

[Linda McMahon]

I haven't read that.

[Angela Yee]

Had you learned about Ruby Bridges?

[Linda McMahon]

If you have specific examples you like.

[Angela Yee]

That was a specific example.

[Linda McMahon]

I'll be very happy.

[Angela Yee]

It was an incredibly specific example.

[Linda McMahon]

I named your questions and I will look into it and get back to you.

[DJ Envy]

Lord have mercy. What about when she was questioned about DEI programs? That's the Holocaust one.

[Jess]

Do you think that Holocaust education in our schools is a DEI program? There's no card for that. That's just yes or no.

[Linda McMahon]

I can look at it whatever card.

[Jess]

Holocaust education, Is it a dei? You can have a press conference to say whatever you want. I just need a quick answer to this. You're soliloquy is Holocaust. Because this is my time. Is Holocaust education a DEI program?

[DJ Envy]

No.

[Jess]

Is African American studies a DEI program?

[Linda McMahon]

I think I answered that with one.

[Jess]

I'm asking it again. Just yes or no.

[Linda McMahon]

We should be able to teach course.

[Jess]

My point is they are DEI programs, both of them, because students need diversity, equity and inclusion to their environments. You're talking out of both sides of your mouth. You can't support one without supporting the other.

[DJ Envy]

Now, I'm not the highest grade of weed in the dispensary, but it's safe to say she has no idea what she's talking about. And she's the Secretary of Education. These aren't isolated incidents, ladies and gentlemen. Linda McMahon has previously referred to artificial intelligence as A1. Okay? A1 is a delicious steak sauce. Okay? Not AI. All right. And listen, one thing the Trump administration has not done yet in its second term is prove people wrong. Okay? Linda McMahon is not qualified to be Department of Education. But we knew this soon as it was announced. Okay? I don't understand the attack on dei. The basis basis of it is people aren't qualified for their jobs. They're just Getting them because of their identity. Um, hello. What's the difference here? Okay, Linda got this job because she's friends with Donald Trump. If you identify as a loyalist to Trump, you get these kinds of positions. So what I really hate is when people say things like, this Senate hearing is casting doubt on her ability to lead the Department of Education. Effectively casting doubt. Listen, having Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education, that's like giving DJ academics two bottles of Hennessy and asking him to run a quiet meditation retreat. Okay, Linda, you can't go in front of the Senate and get put in a crippler crossface by basic Math. Okay? Linda can script the undertaker coming back from the dead, but can't script a coherent answer to how numbers work. I'm not saying everybody in government needs to be a genius, but if you're going to run education, you should probably know how to count and maybe, just maybe, understand a little bit of America's history. I know that Linda McMahon being Secretary of Education is fantastic content for late night talk show hosts and morning show radio hosts. But, America, the implications for the nation's education system are no laughing matter. Okay, perhaps it's time to consider whether the role of Education Secretary should require, at the very least, a firm grasp on elementary math. Please let Chelsea Handler give the Secretary of education, Linda McMahon, the biggest HEE haw. Hee haw. Hee haw. That is way too much Dan Mayonnaise. All right, first it was the head of FEMA not knowing that America had a hurricane season. Now it's Linda McMahon not knowing basic math and what should be basic history. That lady was on her ass, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Like, what?

[DJ Envy]

What? Oh, no. They was eating her up. They was eating her up. Representative Johanna Hayes and Representative Summer Lee. Oh, they was on her head.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

She tried to hit him with the. I don't recall. I have to do some research to get back at you, baby.

[DJ Envy]

I'm asking again. Don't say it again. But they were just proving the point. They were just spiking the football. They know that woman is not qualified to be in that role. They were just proving it in that moment again.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right, well, thank you for that donkey today. Up next, Jess, fix my mess. 800-585-1051. You're having some problems, some issues in your relationship. Call Jess right now. It's the Breakfast Club.

[DJ Envy]

Good morning. The Breakfast Club Donkey today is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull Lamensoft. Don't be a donkey when you need a fighter on your side. If you're ever injured go to Michael the Bull dot com. That's Michael the Bull dot com and when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

[50 Cent]

If you're not watching BMF on Stars, you're seriously missing out from executive producer Curtis 50 Cent Jackson. The new season is coming, and Meech and Terry are leveling up. They're expanding their empire, launching a music label, and even hitting the 1995 Source Awards. Oh, and did I mention Lamar is back. BMF is where drama, hustle and hip hop collide. The drama top tier, the stakes higher than ever. This is the season everyone's going to be talking about. Don't miss the season premiere June 6th. Only on Starz and the Starz app.

[Katherine Townsend]

Over the years of making my true crime podcast Helen Gone, I've learned no town is too small for murder. I'm Katherine Townsend. I've heard from hundreds of people across the country with an unsolved murder in their community.

[Caller]

I was calling about the murder of my husband.

[DJ Envy]

The murderer is still out there.

[Katherine Townsend]

Each week I investigate a new case. If there is a case we should Hear about, call 678-744-6145. Listen to Helen Gone Murderline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iheart pod.