Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., has introduced articles of impeachment against Education Secretary Linda McMahon, marking the first such effort by Democrats to remove the secretary. The impeachment resolution, filed on Thursday, centers on allegations that Secretary McMahon has worked to abolish the Department of Education, made illegal transfers of its functions, and lied to Congress.

Bonamici’s move escalates Democratic criticism of McMahon’s agenda, which has included efforts to dismantle the department she leads. The congresswoman stated that McMahon's actions represent a "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and a breach of public trust, citing false statements made before congressional committees.

During a floor speech, Bonamici asserted that McMahon's unilateral transfer of programs away from the Department of Education is "completely out of bounds." She emphasized that such actions, particularly moving functions Congress established within the department to other agencies, are not permissible.

The articles of impeachment further accuse McMahon of making false statements to Congress. The resolution argues these actions demonstrate a pattern of misconduct that warrants impeachment proceedings against the secretary.

Secretary McMahon responded to the impeachment announcement via social media, urging Democrats to "do better." She characterized the impeachment effort as a distraction from genuine issues, stating that working to improve student outcomes and reduce federal bureaucracy should not be considered impeachable offenses. McMahon pointed to what she described as "chronic failures" in the education system, including low test scores and issues with the FAFSA form rollout.

Recently, the Department of Education announced it was moving special education services and civil rights responsibilities to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice (DOJ), respectively. Department officials maintain these moves are within their authority and that students' rights will not be affected, with oversight remaining with the education department.

Bonamici’s impeachment resolution has garnered support from over a dozen Democratic co-sponsors. However, given that Democrats are currently in the minority in the House, the resolution faces a significant hurdle in securing a vote for impeachment.

This impeachment effort highlights a deep partisan divide over the role and structure of the federal Department of Education. The Trump administration's broader agenda to reduce the federal bureaucracy has faced consistent opposition from Democrats, who argue for the department's essential functions in ensuring educational equity and standards nationwide.