Several House Democrats met with Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Wednesday, and followed the meeting with a press conference outside the Education Department — a press conference they clearly did not expect McMahon to crash.
Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) shared video from the press conference that showed Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) mocking the parental rights advocacy group Moms for Liberty and suggesting that they’d be unequipped to set education policy or create curricula without the oversight of the federal Department of Education.
“WATCH: House Democrats use an open discussion on education reform with @EdSecMcMahon to smear parents who want more involvement in their child’s education and spread lies about the “erasing of Black history” that is 100% NOT HAPPENING,” Owens posted along with the clip. “What a disgusting political stunt.”
🚨WATCH: House Democrats use an open discussion on education reform with @EdSecMcmahon to smear parents who want more involvement in their child’s education and spread lies about the “erasing of Black history” that is 100% NOT HAPPENING.
What a disgusting political stunt. pic.twitter.com/F2WAiVZTK9
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) April 2, 2025
“So why do we need a Department of Education?” she asked. “Let these Moms of Liberty write our curriculum. Let these Moms of Liberty tell us how to educate our children. Let these Moms of Liberty tell us that you should not teach black history, that you should wipe the pages clean. Remember now, this is a conversation that’s been going on for about 12 years.”
A short time later, while Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) complained that there was no real plan and that no one was going to “really protect our students,” McMahon herself joined the press conference, and the tone immediately shifted.
“She is here, perhaps I should give her the podium. We’re extraordinarily grateful that the Secretary gave us the space to have these conversations but, with all due respect, Madam, I think my biggest concern is that the states will not be able to protect the programs and services.”
Democrats had a press conference outside the Department of Education — so @EDSecMcMahon came out to join them:
“I believe — and I know @POTUS does believe this, as well — the best education is that that is closest to the child.” pic.twitter.com/AdSrMtf1ph
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 2, 2025
Secretary McMahon then took to the podium and promptly reiterated the case she has made since day one in office for transferring education policy power away from the federal Department of Education and into more local jurisdictions.
“I just want to express my gratitude to all of these folks who came today so that we could have an open discussion about what I believe is one of the most important things that we can have a discussion on or action on in our country, and that is the education of our young people,” McMahon said, noting that the next generation of leaders and scientists and doctors and lawyers were being educated now.
“I believe, and I know the president does believe this as well, the best education is that that is closest to the child, where teachers and parents, local superintendents, working together, and local school boards, to develop the curriculum for those students is the best way that it can happen,” she said.
