Education secretary criticizes nation's largest teachers union over focus on impeaching Trump as students fail

July 11, 2026 - 23:56

Education Secretary Linda McMahon appeared on "Saturday in America" to call out the National Education Association, the country's largest teachers union, for what she described as misplaced priorities. McMahon argued that instead of focusing on improving academic outcomes for struggling students, the union has been fixated on efforts to impeach President Donald Trump.

McMahon pointed to alarming data showing that many American students are falling behind in foundational subjects like reading and math. She criticized the NEA for spending time and resources on political campaigns against the president rather than addressing the crisis in the classroom. "Our children cannot read or do math at grade level, and the union is more interested in impeachment proceedings than in fixing that," she said.

The Education Secretary emphasized that the federal government expects teachers and their unions to prioritize student achievement. She warned that continued political distractions would only worsen the educational divide. McMahon called on the NEA to refocus its energy on curriculum improvement, teacher training, and support for struggling schools.

The NEA has not yet responded to McMahon's remarks. However, the union has historically been vocal in its opposition to Trump administration policies on education funding, school choice, and civil rights. Critics of the union argue that its political activism often overshadows its core mission of educating children.

McMahon's comments come as national test scores continue to show troubling declines, particularly among low-income and minority students. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between political advocacy and educational priorities in America's public schools.