[ad_1]
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 on TRIO. McMahon confirmed the figure, but both she and Kennedy failed to grasp the math when estimating the long-term cost.Basic math error sparks major funding confusionAccording to The New Republic, Senator Kennedy followed up by asking, “That’s one thousand five hundred and eighty million dollars a year? Is my math right?” McMahon responded, “I think that’s right, sir.” Kennedy then asked how long the program had been running. When McMahon responded that it had been more than ten years, Kennedy mistakenly concluded, “So that’s over a trillion dollars that we’ve spent on this program.” McMahon did not correct the miscalculation.The math error, which overstated $1.58 billion per year over ten years as “over a trillion dollars,” was immediately challenged by Democratic Senator Jack Reed. As quoted by The New Republic, Reed clarified, “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, and that’s a little bit off from a trillion dollars.” Despite this correction, McMahon appeared uncertain and did not provide a clear response, instead stating, “I think the budget cuts $1.2 billion.” Reed again corrected her, saying, “Well that would be $12 billion, not a trillion dollars.”Concerns grow over grant allocations and budget transparencyIn addition to the math missteps, McMahon drew criticism for her refusal to give a direct answer on whether her department would distribute congressionally appropriated funds for after-school programs. As reported by The New Republic, Senator Tammy Baldwin pressed McMahon, stating, “This isn’t a nuanced question… If the answer isn’t simply ‘yes,’ that leads me to believe that you are planning to withhold funding and short-change schools, students, and families across America.“Despite repeated opportunities, McMahon did not offer a definitive commitment to honoring congressional intent, raising further concerns about transparency and accountability within the Department of Education under the Trump administration.The hearing’s revelations have reignited debate over the management of federal education funds and highlighted the need for basic fiscal literacy among top government officials.
[ad_2]
Source link
About the author
5 motivational quotes for Engineering aspirants
[ad_1] Engineering represents one of humanity's most transformative disciplines, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical innovation. For students embarking upon engineering careers, the journey can appear unnerving, filled with challenging mathematics, rigorous problem-solving, and seemingly insurmountable technical challenges. Through the folds of time and engineering marvels, legendary figures have shared profound insights that illuminate the true spirit of engineering and inspire the next generation of innovators.These 5 carefully selected quotes from renowned scientists, inventors, and engineers offer guidance, motivation, and perspective for aspiring engineers navigating their educational and professional journeys.1. Albert Einstein: The creator's mindset"Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been."Albert Einstein's observation captures the fundamental distinction between scientific inquiry and engineering practice. Whilst scientists seek to understand the natural world's existing phenomena, engineers harness this knowledge to forge entirely new solutions. […]
What AI can’t replace: Building 8 human skills that will still matter a decade later
[ad_1] As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine job roles, there is growing concern among students and early-career professionals about their place in the workforce of the future. With generative AI writing code, drafting reports, analyzing data, and even performing creative tasks, it is easy to question what skills will remain uniquely human—and therefore, professionally valuable. Yet, despite its speed and scale, AI remains limited in fundamental ways. It lacks empathy, ethics, cultural context, and the nuanced reasoning that underpins human judgment. The future of work will not be a contest between humans and machines, but a reorientation of roles—where technology handles the repetitive and the mechanical, and humans focus on the complex, interpersonal, and moral dimensions of work.The following eight skills are expected to retain their relevance well into the next decade. For students and professionals alike, […]
18 universities back Harvard as Trump’s funding freeze hits student research
[ad_1] In an extraordinary show of academic solidarity, 18 leading universities — including five Ivy League schools and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — have announced plans to back Harvard University in its legal battle against the Trump administration’s freeze on nearly $3 billion in federal research funding.The coordinated move marks a rare intervention by peer institutions in a politically charged standoff, reflecting deep concerns within the academic community about the future of research funding and institutional autonomy in the United States.National stakes in a campus fightThe Trump administration's decision to cut billions in research grants to Harvard has triggered alarm bells across academia. Although the action was initially targeted at a single university, institutions nationwide are warning that the implications stretch far beyond Cambridge.The 18 universities — many of them major recipients of federal research grants themselves — have […]
CCMT round 1 seat allotment 2025 released for MTech, MPlan, MArch admissions: Check direct link here
[ad_1] The Centralized Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Admissions (CCMT) 2025 Round 1 seat allotment result has been announced on June 9 at the official website – ccmt.admissions.nic.in. Candidates who participated in the counselling process based on their GATE scores can now check their allotment status by logging in with their credentials. CCMT is a common platform for admission into postgraduate programs offered by NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutes across India. The seat allotment process is based on GATE scores, preferences submitted by candidates, and seat availability. Shortlisted candidates must complete fee payment, upload required documents, and indicate their willingness (freeze, float, or slide) by the specified deadline. Failure to complete these steps may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.How to check CCMT round 1 seat allotment?Candidates who participated in CCMT counselling round 1 can check the seat allotment […]
Harvard scrambles to safeguard International students amid Trump-era visa crackdown
[ad_1] हार्वर्ड यूनिवर्सिटी (harvard.edu) Harvard University is actively engaging with prominent domestic and international institutions, such as the University of Chicago and the London Business School, to find alternative arrangements for its international students who may soon face legal barriers to remaining in the United States, according to media reports. This urgent initiative arises amid intensifying visa restrictions linked to the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. With nearly 27% of its student body coming from abroad, Harvard is racing against time to establish contingency plans to protect its global community and ensure continuity in their education.Facing mounting visa restrictions and administrative blocks, the Ivy League institution is racing against time to create a safety net for its global student population, which makes up approximately 27% of its enrolled body, according to media reports.Trump’s policy crackdown sparks alarmThe recent wave of […]
Work-life balance and big salary: How today’s job seekers are prioritising both
[ad_1] As the dynamics of the modern workplace continue to evolve, Indian professionals are rewriting the rules of what they expect from a job. Gone are the days when hefty paychecks alone could seal the deal. Today’s workforce is making it clear: a healthy work-life balance is just as important as a fat salary.According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 by Great Learning, a striking 82% of professionals in India now prioritise work-life balance alongside financial compensation. This shift in mindset reflects broader changes in professional aspirations, wellbeing standards, and how individuals envision long-term career satisfaction.Beyond the paycheck: The pursuit of balanceThe report shows that 51% of professionals are actively seeking new job opportunities, while another 31% are passively exploring better roles. Interestingly, those aged 45–60 are less inclined to make a switch, with only 39% actively job hunting. But […]
Related
5 motivational quotes for Engineering aspirants
[ad_1] Engineering represents one of humanity's most transformative disciplines, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical innovation. For students embarking upon engineering careers, the journey can appear unnerving, filled with challenging mathematics, rigorous problem-solving, and seemingly insurmountable technical challenges. Through the folds of time and engineering marvels, legendary figures have shared profound insights that illuminate the true spirit of engineering and inspire the next generation of innovators.These 5 carefully selected quotes from renowned scientists, inventors, and engineers offer guidance, motivation, and perspective for aspiring engineers navigating their educational and professional journeys.1. Albert Einstein: The creator's mindset"Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been."Albert Einstein's observation captures the fundamental distinction between scientific inquiry and engineering practice. Whilst scientists seek to understand the natural world's existing phenomena, engineers harness this knowledge to forge entirely new solutions. […]
What AI can’t replace: Building 8 human skills that will still matter a decade later
[ad_1] As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine job roles, there is growing concern among students and early-career professionals about their place in the workforce of the future. With generative AI writing code, drafting reports, analyzing data, and even performing creative tasks, it is easy to question what skills will remain uniquely human—and therefore, professionally valuable. Yet, despite its speed and scale, AI remains limited in fundamental ways. It lacks empathy, ethics, cultural context, and the nuanced reasoning that underpins human judgment. The future of work will not be a contest between humans and machines, but a reorientation of roles—where technology handles the repetitive and the mechanical, and humans focus on the complex, interpersonal, and moral dimensions of work.The following eight skills are expected to retain their relevance well into the next decade. For students and professionals alike, […]
18 universities back Harvard as Trump’s funding freeze hits student research
[ad_1] In an extraordinary show of academic solidarity, 18 leading universities — including five Ivy League schools and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — have announced plans to back Harvard University in its legal battle against the Trump administration’s freeze on nearly $3 billion in federal research funding.The coordinated move marks a rare intervention by peer institutions in a politically charged standoff, reflecting deep concerns within the academic community about the future of research funding and institutional autonomy in the United States.National stakes in a campus fightThe Trump administration's decision to cut billions in research grants to Harvard has triggered alarm bells across academia. Although the action was initially targeted at a single university, institutions nationwide are warning that the implications stretch far beyond Cambridge.The 18 universities — many of them major recipients of federal research grants themselves — have […]
CCMT round 1 seat allotment 2025 released for MTech, MPlan, MArch admissions: Check direct link here
[ad_1] The Centralized Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Admissions (CCMT) 2025 Round 1 seat allotment result has been announced on June 9 at the official website – ccmt.admissions.nic.in. Candidates who participated in the counselling process based on their GATE scores can now check their allotment status by logging in with their credentials. CCMT is a common platform for admission into postgraduate programs offered by NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutes across India. The seat allotment process is based on GATE scores, preferences submitted by candidates, and seat availability. Shortlisted candidates must complete fee payment, upload required documents, and indicate their willingness (freeze, float, or slide) by the specified deadline. Failure to complete these steps may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.How to check CCMT round 1 seat allotment?Candidates who participated in CCMT counselling round 1 can check the seat allotment […]
Harvard scrambles to safeguard International students amid Trump-era visa crackdown
[ad_1] हार्वर्ड यूनिवर्सिटी (harvard.edu) Harvard University is actively engaging with prominent domestic and international institutions, such as the University of Chicago and the London Business School, to find alternative arrangements for its international students who may soon face legal barriers to remaining in the United States, according to media reports. This urgent initiative arises amid intensifying visa restrictions linked to the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. With nearly 27% of its student body coming from abroad, Harvard is racing against time to establish contingency plans to protect its global community and ensure continuity in their education.Facing mounting visa restrictions and administrative blocks, the Ivy League institution is racing against time to create a safety net for its global student population, which makes up approximately 27% of its enrolled body, according to media reports.Trump’s policy crackdown sparks alarmThe recent wave of […]
Work-life balance and big salary: How today’s job seekers are prioritising both
[ad_1] As the dynamics of the modern workplace continue to evolve, Indian professionals are rewriting the rules of what they expect from a job. Gone are the days when hefty paychecks alone could seal the deal. Today’s workforce is making it clear: a healthy work-life balance is just as important as a fat salary.According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 by Great Learning, a striking 82% of professionals in India now prioritise work-life balance alongside financial compensation. This shift in mindset reflects broader changes in professional aspirations, wellbeing standards, and how individuals envision long-term career satisfaction.Beyond the paycheck: The pursuit of balanceThe report shows that 51% of professionals are actively seeking new job opportunities, while another 31% are passively exploring better roles. Interestingly, those aged 45–60 are less inclined to make a switch, with only 39% actively job hunting. But […]
Be the first to leave a comment