Trump education secretary Linda McMahon stumbles over trillion-dollar funding math for disadvantaged students
[ad_1] Education Secretary Linda McMahon laughs before a Senate Appropriations hearing, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo) In a widely watched Senate hearing, US Education Secretary Linda McMahon made a significant mathematical error while defending President Trump's 2026 education budget proposal. The mistake, which unfolded during a conversation about federal grant programs for disadvantaged students, quickly drew attention from lawmakers and the media, sparking concerns about the administration's understanding of major education funding streams.The exchange took place during McMahon's testimony before the Senate regarding federal support for TRIO and the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, also known as GEAR UP. These initiatives receive substantial annual funding to support low-income and first-generation college students. As reported by The New Republic, Republican Senator John Kennedy asked McMahon if the government spends $1.58 billion annually […]