The Tudor Dixon Podcast: EXCLUSIVE: Linda McMahon on the Future of Education

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Tudor Dixon Podcast – EXCLUSIVE: Linda McMahon on the Future of Education

Podcast Information

• Title: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Episode: The Tudor Dixon Podcast: EXCLUSIVE: Linda McMahon on the Future of Education
• Release Date: April 16, 2025

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Introduction

In this exclusive episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, host Tudor Dixon sits down with Linda McMahon, the U.S. Secretary of Education, to discuss the future of education in America. The conversation delves into significant policy changes, the role of federal and state governments in education, and pressing issues affecting schools nationwide. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the insights shared by both Dixon and McMahon.

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1. Potential Shutdown of the Department of Education

Tudor Dixon initiates the conversation by addressing widespread concerns in Michigan about rumors that the Department of Education might be shutting down. He emphasizes that misinformation is causing fear among parents and educators regarding the impact on children's education.

Key Discussion Points:

• Decentralization of Education: McMahon explains that the administration aims to return control of education to the states, reducing federal bureaucracy without eliminating essential funding.

Notable Quote:

• Linda McMahon (03:11): “The best education is that which is closest to the child... Let's get rid of the bureaucracy that is in Washington. That does not mean get rid of Title 1 funding or IDEA funding.”

2. Federal vs. State Funding and Control

Dixon seeks to clarify misconceptions about funding sources post-shutdown. McMahon elaborates on the distribution of funds, highlighting that approximately 90% of education funding comes from the states, with the remaining 10% from the federal government.

Key Discussion Points:

• Flexibility in Fund Allocation: States desire more control over federal funds to address specific local needs, such as allocating resources directly to districts most in need.

Notable Quote:

• Linda McMahon (04:19): “A lot of the states will say to us, we would like to have the ability to spend that money in the way that we see fit... there would be more flexibility to utilize the funding.”

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3. Reducing Bureaucracy in Education

Dixon raises concerns about the efficiency of a large Department of Education and whether its functions can be managed by other governmental bodies.

Key Discussion Points:

• Streamlining Operations: McMahon confirms that the administration plans to reduce the Department's size through restructuring, cutting the workforce by approximately half to eliminate inefficiencies.
• Local Decision-Making: Emphasizes that local superintendents and educators are better positioned to make informed decisions regarding curriculum and resource allocation.

Notable Quote:

• Linda McMahon (05:14): “The Department of Education does not educate one child. We don't decide on curriculum, hire teachers, or decide what books to buy. We are a funding channel and helping to develop policy...”

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4. Protecting Women in Sports and Campus Safety

The conversation shifts to the administration's efforts to protect women in sports amidst resistance from organizations like the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Dixon highlights conflicts between federal mandates and state-level compliance, especially in states with opposing political leadership.

Key Discussion Points:

• Enforcement of Title IX: McMahon underscores the importance of enforcing Title IX to prevent discrimination and ensure safety on campuses.
• Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance: Discusses potential federal investigations and funding repercussions for institutions like MHSAA that defy federal laws.

Notable Quote:

• Linda McMahon (09:37): “They're in defiance of the law because Title IX was clearly established to protect women in sports... there could be some defunding mechanisms put in place relative to the state or the districts which are not complying.”

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5. Addressing Campus Protests and Safety Issues

Dixon brings up the administration's stance on managing campus protests that have escalated into harassment and safety threats, referencing incidents at Columbia University and the University of Michigan.

Key Discussion Points:

• Distinguishing Peaceful Protest from Harassment: McMahon differentiates between peaceful demonstrations and violent, discriminatory actions that threaten the safety and civil rights of students and faculty.
• Role of University Leadership: Emphasizes the responsibility of university presidents to swiftly address and prevent disruptive and harmful protests.

Notable Quotes:

• Linda McMahon (15:44): “When you start impacting the safety and welfare of members of the campus community, that can't be tolerated.”
• Linda McMahon (17:55): “It does have to be peaceful. And when you jeopardize the safety and welfare of other students, that is an infringement on their civil rights.”

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6. McMahon’s Appointment and Collaboration with the President

Tudor Dixon explores McMahon’s transition from the business world to her role as Secretary of Education, highlighting her working relationship with the President.

Key Discussion Points:

• Leadership and Management: McMahon discusses how her business background equips her to reduce departmental bureaucracy and implement efficient management practices.
• Rapport with the President: Highlights a strong professional relationship, characterized by mutual understanding and effective collaboration.

Notable Quotes:

• Linda McMahon (25:11): “He doesn't need an educator. He needs a business executive, a leader, a manager... You are perfect for this job.”
• Linda McMahon (26:18): “He expects action. And so we do work very well together. Plus, I've known him for almost 30 years now.”

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Conclusion

The interview with Linda McMahon provides a comprehensive insight into the current administration's educational policies, emphasizing decentralization, reduction of federal bureaucracy, and enhanced state control over education funding. McMahon addresses critical issues such as the protection of women in sports, campus safety, and the handling of disruptive protests, underscoring the administration's commitment to creating a safer and more efficient educational environment. Her perspective as a business leader bringing managerial expertise to the Department of Education highlights a strategic shift towards more localized and flexible education governance.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for educators, parents, and policymakers seeking to understand the evolving landscape of American education and the administration's efforts to balance federal oversight with state autonomy.

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Notable Quotes Overview

1. Linda McMahon on Decentralizing Education (03:11):

   • “The best education is that which is closest to the child... Let's get rid of the bureaucracy that is in Washington."

2. On State Flexibility in Funding (04:19):

   • “There would be more flexibility to utilize the funding...”

3. On the Department’s Role (05:14):

   • “We are a funding channel and helping to develop policy...”

4. Protecting Women in Sports (09:37):

   • “There could be some defunding mechanisms put in place relative to the state or the districts which are not complying.”

5. Campus Safety and Civil Rights (15:44 & 17:55):

   • “That can't be tolerated.”
   • “When you jeopardize the safety and welfare of other students, that is an infringement on their civil rights.”

6. Leadership and Collaboration (25:11 & 26:18):

   • “You are perfect for this job.”
   • “We do work very well together... I’ve known him for almost 30 years now.”

---

Final Thoughts

Linda McMahon's insights shed light on the strategic direction of the Department of Education under the current administration. By prioritizing state control and reducing federal intervention, the administration aims to create a more adaptable and efficient educational system. This approach seeks to empower local educators and communities, ensuring that education policies are tailored to meet the unique needs of each state while maintaining essential federal support and oversight.

For listeners seeking a deeper understanding of educational reforms and policy changes, this episode offers valuable perspectives and clarifications on the administration's objectives and methodologies.

Transcript

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[Tudor Dixon]

[e-mail] welcome to the Tudor Dixon Podcast. Today I am excited because we have the US Secretary for the Department of Education, Linda McMahon with us. Madam Secretary, thank you for joining me.

[Linda McMahon]

Tudor. Thanks for having me. I've been looking forward to this.

[Tudor Dixon]

Well, I am excited too. I was. I wanted you to know that we have people here in the state of Michigan who are wondering exactly what it means, what you're doing. They have heard that the Department of Ed is going to shut down and they're concerned, what does that mean for my kids education. And that's why I thought you can explain this better than anybody that this is not something to be afraid of. But there is a lot of fear mongering from Democrats. So give us the lowdown on what that means.

[Linda McMahon]

Well, thanks, Tudor, for asking. And it's not an uncommon question, but clearly the president believes, as do I, that the best education is that that's one closest to the child. And so his reference is let's give education back to the states. And what that means is let's get rid of the bureaucracy that is in Washington. That does not mean get rid of Title 1 funding that will come to the states. It does not mean get rid of IDEA funding, which is for our handicapped or special needs children. So that is not the goal or the mission of getting rid of the bureaucracy in education, but it puts education more squarely in the state's hands, working with parents, working with teachers, working with local superintendents. And that's where it ought to be.

[Tudor Dixon]

I think that's the confusion. I think people don't understand that the Department of Ed on your state level is really what is managing all of the decisions statewide, like those decisions that come from the federal level. The funding that comes from the federal level is much smaller compared to the state level. We are on a state level funding our own schools.

[Linda McMahon]

You fund about 90% and about 10% comes from the federal government. And that, you know, that funding often comes with strings attached. So a lot of the states will say to us, you know, we, we really love to get the funding, but we would like to have the ability to spend that money in the way that we see fit. Because one superintendent might say, I'd like to take that money and spend it in District X, because I know that that's where that funding is needed. So at that point there would be more flexibility to utilize the funding, you know, for the states. And I think that's, I think that's a big go.

[Tudor Dixon]

If the Department of Ed is no longer there, where does the funding come from? Does it go through a different agency? And is the reason behind that, that you don't really need an entire 4,000 person department to decide where these funds go. Because you already have treasury and other departments that could easily decide where funds go.

[Linda McMahon]

Well, that's correct. And there are other agencies that I think the entire programs could manage through. But, you know, the Department of Education does not educate one child. We don't decide on curriculum, we don't hire teachers, we don't decide what books to buy. We really are a funding channel and helping to develop policy that is, you know, if it's approved by Congress or, you know, it's passed through to the states. But that's the function of the Department of Education. And it really hopefully would be improved at the state level because we would have eliminated the bureaucracy of it. And that's really the goal.

[Tudor Dixon]

And when you talk about bureaucracy, I think some people don't necessarily know what that means. I mean, there are a lot of people that are in Washington, these big agencies, they've become overbearing, they become hard to take care of in and of themselves because the cost is so great to have 4,000 or 4,600, whatever it is, at the Department of Ed or whatever it was when you took over at the Department of Ed that are really just making decisions that don't affect the individual child.

[Linda McMahon]

Well, that's correct. As a matter of fact, when I did take over as the secretary, we did have about 4,140, 200 people. We're down about about half of that now because we've gone through a restructuring process here, as was the goal. And it is the goal across all of government at this point to look at where we might cut expenses without cutting services, and that every agency in government has been involved in doing that. So we're dealing right now with many fewer people than we had when I first began. But the bureaucracy is. If you've got people sitting in Washington trying to make decisions about what's happening in the state, I'll give you a perfect example. I was asked by one parent in the state or a teacher, I don't remember which, it was relative to special needs funding. And I said, well, let me ask you something. I said, who better to determine that would it be at the state level or at the local level where the teacher is working with that child with special needs, who understands what kind of programming, how they should adjust their individual learning program for that student? Or is it someone sitting in Washington, D.C. that has absolutely no connection with that child? I think the answer is absolutely obvious. So the bureaucracy in between the money that has been appropriated and coming, you know, through Congress and the state level of execution and employment of those dollars is, I think, a better path if we don't have the bureaucracy of the Department of Education in between.

[Tudor Dixon]

Yeah. And I think the fear that parents have as well, if it's not there, then that money can't come to us anyway. The money will still come. It's going to be decided on the state level. Everybody has a state superintendent, you have a state Department of Ed, that this is one of those states rights issues where we really want to do it locally. And there should be nothing more local than education because your community is different than the community next to you. And that's how the state decides what each area needs for funding and what they need when it comes to specialists and teachers and all of that, that should go to the state level. Now, there is a big controversy right now over protecting women in sports. We know that the president, that's one of his top issues, is to protect women in sports. I know that you obviously have a sports backgr around. You are very top of mind for protecting women in sports. But let me ask you this. Like in Michigan, we have the mhsaa, the Michigan High School Athletic association, and they are saying they're not going to comply with what the president has said. They oversee Michigan sports, they're an association, but they are actually funded by the school district. So how do you manage that situation?

[Linda McMahon]

Well, they're in defiance of the law because Title 9 was clearly established to protect women in sports and to make sure that they were not discriminated against. And so it's simply following the law at this point. So they're breaking the law. So if that case was referred to the Department of Justice, there could be an investigation there or there should. There could be some defunding mechanisms that would be put in place relative to, you know, the state or the districts which are not complying.

[Tudor Dixon]

Hmm. I'd love to say that. I would think that there's a chance on the state level that someone would do something. But in this state, we have an attorney general that I don't think would side with Trump on this. In fact, she's come out and she's been pretty hostile. So that is what I mean. That is the situation. And I think for some conservatives, they say we still need that protection from Washington, D.C. because we don't have. If we are in a blue state or a purple state that has blue leaders, we don't have that protection. And that's where there are some conservatives that are kind of holding out hope that there is, there is some protection from the federal government. But you say that will still be.

[Linda McMahon]

There for sure if the law is broken. No different, you know, than any other federal law that gets broken. There is a, you know, there's a consequence to that. And so that consequence is still in place.

[Tudor Dixon]

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[Tudor Dixon]

So what is your response to the Trump administration? The the administration that you're a part of freezing this money that's going to higher ed, that's going to Harvard because of the campus activism. And this is something that there's been folks on both sides of this issue, but there are certainly a lot of people who have suffered from this. I would say it goes beyond activism. We're talking about harassment on these college campuses that is being allowed. So can you explain a little bit to us about the mindset behind freezing those funds?

[Linda McMahon]

Well, it actually started with Columbia University, and I think it was very evident when we saw last year, and then again just a few months ago, students on campus that not only were just being harassed, I mean, locked in libraries, other students pounding on glass walls saying, death to Israel, death to usa faculty was attacked. I mean, this was a safety issue. Not only was it, you know, a civil rights issue, but it was a safety issue as well. Not to be confused. It was definitely not a First Amendment issue, because the president and this administration certainly does not disagree with anyone to have the right to peaceful protest or differences of opinion or on campuses, you know, having public and open debate. But when you start impacting the safety and welfare of members of, you know, the campus community, that can't be tolerated. And so we brought those issues forward to the president of Columbia and our work continuing to work, you know, with them. So other universities now have come under that same review, Harvard being one. And so we'll continue to make sure, as the president promised during his campaign, that he will not tolerate discrimination of any kind on campus, but especially, you know, anti Semitism, because it was just so flagrant.

[Tudor Dixon]

I think it's interesting the way that you present that, because it's so important for people to understand because the other side actually agrees with you, even though they're not going to. I just mentioned our radical attorney general, but let me be very clear that a few months back when this was happening on the University of Michigan's campus, she did arrest these people that were harassing students. She arrested them, and she's coming down pretty hard on them. There has been a lot of pushback from Democrats in the state of Michigan, some Democrats, more of the progressive side, saying this is ridiculous, she shouldn't have. They were peacefully protesting. That's the difference. They weren't peaceful. And that's what you're saying. You have to be peaceful.

[Linda McMahon]

It does have to be peaceful. And when you jeopardize, you know, the safety and welfare of other students, that is an infringement on their civil rights. And so we just. We just absolutely cannot allow that. And I think that college professors have to take very. I mean, not professors. College presidents have to take pretty swift action to make sure that those kinds of protests don't get out of hand. Because we, you know, we have seen that there can be more and more injuries if it's not dealt with right away.

[Tudor Dixon]

And even preventing students from getting an education, you should not be able to bar students from going to their classes. That should not. The university should not be accepting that there are students who are paying for an education that can't actually get into their classroom because a protester is stopping them.

[Linda McMahon]

Yeah, absolutely. There again, that's a civil rights issue. There's the, you know, it's just like you said, the students or scholarship payments or parents who are expecting to be able to send their, their children to a safe environment and get the education that they're paying for.

[Tudor Dixon]

Right.

[Linda McMahon]

And that's, that's not an unrealistic expectation.

[Tudor Dixon]

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What it would be like to have supervision, enhanced hearing, extraordinary reflexes? To be, dare we say, superhuman? Well, Roku's new Pro Series TV can't do any of that for you, but with a 4K screen, side firing speakers, and a blazing fast refresh rate, it'll sure feel like it. Elevate your entertainment using all your favorite apps like iHeart and Play all your music, radio and podcasts. With the new Roku Pro series, your senses aren't better. Your TV is.

[Christina Quinn]

I'm Molly Roberts.

[Drew Goins]

And I'm Drew Goins. Each Friday on Impromptu, we talk through the questions we can't stop thinking about.

[Christina Quinn]

Do we need to rethink how much we drink?

[Drew Goins]

Why are companies really asking workers to come back to the office?

[Christina Quinn]

Does boycotting a business actually work?

[Drew Goins]

Should we quit social media?

[Christina Quinn]

We're here when the news gets personal and the headlines hit home.

[Drew Goins]

Join Molly and me every Friday on Impromptu from Washington Post Opinions.

[Christina Quinn]

Find Impromptu wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rodney Williams]

For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal. They include a lot more people than ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts. At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to make it mean so much more. Thrivent where money means more Connect with.

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[Tudor Dixon]

Before I let you go, I wanna ask you if there's anything you can share. You were in the first administration also. You were. You went from that to the Secretary of Education. So different roles. You were in the small business before that, now are in education. Different roles behind the scenes. Can you tell us a little bit about what it's like when the president comes to you and says, I need you to serve?

[Linda McMahon]

Well, it was very interesting because when the President and I did have this discussion and he talked to me about serving as the Secretary of Education, I told him, I said, you know, Mr. President, I don't come from the world of education. I've been in the business world. And that's why, you know, the SBA seemed to be such a good fit for me. And he said, but here's the thing. He said, I really do want to close the Department of Education. He said, I want to get rid of the bureaucracy of it. He said, I don't need an educator. He said, I need a business executive, a leader, a manager, someone who knows how to do that. He said, you are perfect for this job. So I agreed to take on this role and to serve him in the country to the best of my ability.

[Tudor Dixon]

And I think it's meaningful that you did agree to serve twice because there have been a lot of criticisms of Donald Trump. And I was actually just talking to someone about this over the weekend. I said, how many people who have worked with him in his businesses or even in the White House have really come out and ever said anything negative about him? People love him.

[Linda McMahon]

Well, he's a great boss and I'll tell you what's really good. He he understands so much what he is asking you to do and he's very probative in his questions. He expects you to fully know and understand what it is that you're doing. He listens very well when you're with him, but you know, he expects action. And so we do work very well together. And plus, I've known him for almost 30 years now.

[Tudor Dixon]

Well, we have been impressed with what the administration has done so far and very impressed with what you've done. I'm so grateful you were here today to talk to us today. U.S. secretary Linda McMahon. Thank you.

[Linda McMahon]

Thank you Tudor.

[Tudor Dixon]

And thank you all for joining us on the Tudor Dixon Podcast. For this episode and others, go to tudordixonpodcast.com, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and join us next time. Have a blessed day.

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[Travis Holloway]

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[Unknown Speaker 3]

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[Travis Holloway]

Let's be honest, building wealth doesn't look the same for everyone.

[Tudor Dixon]

I feel like sometimes being broke is a cycle and that we might have.

[Unknown Speaker 3]

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How do you cope with it?

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[Unknown Speaker 3]

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