Video: Education Secretary Hijacks Democrat News Conference
Education Secretary Linda McMahon interrupted a press conference by House Democrats outside the Department of Education to give an impromptu statement after they met in a closed-door meeting earlier Wednesday.
With about a minute's notice, the secretary's team told some attendees that McMahon would be making a statement.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., was speaking at the podium as the secretary appeared at the press conference.
"We are extraordinarily grateful that the secretary gave us the space to have these conversations, but with all due respect, madam, I think my biggest concern is that the states will not be able to protect the programs and services that you would like to devolve with them," she said before ceding the microphone, noting that the mood during the meeting was "collegial."
Then, the secretary stepped to the podium in front of the group of Democratic lawmakers, who had met with her in her office for about an hour.
"I just want to express my gratitude to all of these folks who came today so we can have an open discussion about what I believe is one of the most important things that we can have a discussion on or action on in our country, and that is the education of our young people," McMahon said upon taking the podium.
Photo credit Ed Secretary Youtube