Trump education secretary Linda McMahon stumbles over trillion-dollar funding math for disadvantaged students
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 confusion
According 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."
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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 transparency
In 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.
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