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Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing was met with multiple disruptions from protesters on Thursday, as demonstrators voiced their concerns about transgender issues and other progressive causes.
According to sources who spoke with The Hill, the protesters were connected to the National Education Association (NEA), the nation’s largest teachers’ union. The organization, known for its opposition to school choice and substantial contributions to progressive causes, has drawn criticism for its leadership’s high compensation while advocating for extended school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During one of several interruptions, Senate HELP Committee chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) expressed his frustration, stating, “The rudeness of people who are trying to squelch others as they’re trying to communicate in an incredibly public forum is just amazing, amazingly bad.”
Triple H is currently sitting behind Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as she testifies before the Senate to become the Secretary of Education.
America is back. pic.twitter.com/4ZSDhGz1ED
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) February 13, 2025
Capitol police removed at least five protesters from the hearing room. Several demonstrators focused their protests on transgender youth protection, an issue that has gained prominence as the Trump administration has implemented executive orders emphasizing biological distinctions in federal policy. The Education Department has begun investigating institutions that permit transgender females to participate in women’s sports.
The proceedings were briefly halted when a protester interrupted Sen. Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) questioning by announcing their status as a teacher. This prompted Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) to comment on the irony of educators behaving disruptively in a formal setting, expressing concern about their influence in America’s classrooms. Banks emphasized his personal stake in the matter as a father of three daughters in public schools.
One protester directly addressed the nominee by shouting, “Linda McMahon, you’re fired!”
President Trump's nominee to run, and sunset, the Department of Education, Linda McMahon, is absolutely CRUSHING her confirmation hearing:
"Listen to parents not politicians."
"Build up careers not college debt."
"Empower states not special interests."
Tired of winning yet? pic.twitter.com/vi3Z3RG0rh
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 13, 2025
The tension was momentarily lightened when Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) drew a humorous comparison between the hearing’s atmosphere and McMahon’s previous role in professional wrestling, asking whether WWE events or the day’s proceedings were more challenging to maintain composure during.
McMahon responded with composure, saying, “I can stay pretty composed and focused in either environment,” drawing laughter from those present.
