Ms. McMahon, the former wrestling executive and President Trump’s education secretary pick, spoke about her priorities for the department. But she also faced scrutiny about White House discussions to close it.

Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Education, affirmed during her confirmation hearing on Thursday that shutting down the agency entirely would require congressional approval.

President Donald Trump's choice to run the Department of Education, Linda McMahon, advocated for the president's plans to abolish the department at her U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. Trump on Wednesday reiterated his call to shutter the department,