Bloomberg Talks US Education Secretary Linda McMahon Talks University Funding Cuts
Jun 10, 2025
Linda McMahon, the former US Education Secretary during the Trump administration, discusses potential policy shifts for universities like Harvard to have federal funding restored. She addresses the fallout from funding cuts, emphasizing compliance with regulations amid student safety concerns. McMahon also highlights Harvard's financial struggles, the importance of accountability in federal aid, and the need for students to understand their financial responsibilities. The conversation touches on international education policies, stressing the value of cultural exchange and security.
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Early University Negotiations
- Linda McMahon started discussions with Columbia University about anti-Semitism and campus issues, meeting multiple times with university leadership.
- Harvard responded to funding negotiations with lawsuits, showing a tougher stance but some progress is made.
Balancing Campus Protest and Safety
- Peaceful, orderly protests are essential for free speech on campuses, but disruptive protests at inappropriate times are unacceptable.
- Universities must balance open debate with safe learning environments where all students can attend classes without fear.
Tax Dollars and University Endowments
- Universities with large endowments receive tax dollars, so it's reasonable that some benefits should return to taxpayers.
- Well-invested endowments grow, but federal funding must come with accountability to the public.