Fox News leaves Trump minister baffled as she ‘has no idea what disabilities act’ is

News aired a baffling segment with US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who didn’t know what one of the main acronyms in her department stood for. When host Laura Ingraham quizzed her on what the IDEA means, she confessed: “I’m not sure I can tell you.”

McMahon appeared on the show to discuss cutting half the staff from the Department of Education, with 1,300 people losing their jobs as part of ’s government overhaul in an attempt to bring school choice to individual states. She explained: “Congress appropriates the money that is going through Title I, through IDEA programmes-“

Laura interrupted to ask: “What does that stand for?” as McMahon responded: “Well, I… Do you know what, I’m not sure I can tell you exactly what it stands for, except for that it’s the programmes for disabled and needs-“

The presenter surmised: “Individuals with disabilities, that kind of thing? I’m guessing, I don’t know all my acronyms and I’ve been here for 30 years!” as McMahon confessed: “This is my fifth day on the job and I’m really trying to learn them very quickly!”

Baffled viewers took to X to share their thoughts, with one writing: “BREAKING: While boasting on Fox News about her efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, Linda McMahon couldn’t even explain what the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is. This is the person trying to destroy education in America. Let that sink in.”

Someone else posted: “On Fox News yesterday, Linda McMahon was unable to articulate what IDEA, the main federal law protecting students with disabilities, stood for. (It stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.)”

And a third wrote: “EdSec Linda McMahon on Fox News couldn’t explain acronym IDEA or explain significance. Has business/entertainment experience. Successful. Lacks content knowledge, applicable experience, & pertinent education. How do you analyse dept closure of which you have no working knowledge?”