Trump's pledge to axe the Department of Education

1. One of the key promises President-elect Donald Trump made while campaigning for the White House was to abolish the US Department of Education. The federal agency, established in 1979, oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans and runs programmes to help low-income students. Without the federal department, states would assume greater control over educational policies, funding allocations, and enforcement of standards. Do you think the Department of Education should be abolished?

2. In order to scrap the department, the incoming Republican president would need congressional approval - an uphill battle. Not only would Trump need congressional approval, but he would also probably need a supermajority - 60 out of 100 senators. While Republicans have a majority in the Senate, they do not have 60 members in the upper chamber, so they would need a few Democrats to vote to abolish the agency. Do you think, even if Trump proceeds with this idea, that it will be approved?

3. Donald Trump has picked former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) CEO and his transition co-chair, Linda McMahon, as his nominee for education secretary.The 76 year old McMahon is primarily known for founding and leading the WWE, she has had several stints in education -- starting with her nomination to the Connecticut State Board of Education in 2009. Other forays into education included her role as a member of the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She was on the board from January 2004 to February 2017. She returned after serving in Trumps first administration, in 2021. Do you think she is the right choice for education secretary?

4. Trump also chose Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor and former TV host whose approaches have come under scrutiny, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Trained as a heart surgeon, Oz rose to prominence on Oprah Winfrey's leading daytime television show before spinning off his own series, "The Dr. Oz Show," in 2009. If confirmed by the Senate to lead CMS, Oz would oversee Medicare, Medicaid, children's health insurance and the Affordable Care Act, better known as "Obamacare." Do you think he is the best choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services?