Education secretary plans $43,000 office furniture purchase amid spending cuts

Key facts

• Education Secretary Linda McMahon plans to spend $43,278 on new office furniture.
• The furniture is for the department's new office space in downtown Washington D.C.
• The Trump administration claims its education cuts are saving millions of dollars.
• The department's relocation is expected to save taxpayers $4.8 million annually.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is planning to spend approximately $43,000 on new furniture for her office as the Department of Education relocates to a smaller building in downtown Washington D.C. The Trump administration maintains that its education cuts are saving millions of dollars. McMahon's office stated the current furniture is worn out and incompatible with the new office space. The relocation itself is projected to save taxpayers $4.8 million annually. The administration's broader goal is to reduce the department's power and staffing, with responsibilities being transferred to other agencies.