• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 23, 2025

Steve Ballmer Begs Trump Administration To Reverse Cuts to Education Research

The Clippers owner wrote to education secretary Linda McMahon in his capacity of the CEO of a statistics nonprofit.

Steve Ballmer
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Steve Ballmer has more on his mind than the NBA playoffs. 

The Clippers owner posted an open letter to Linda McMahon on Monday, asking Education Secretary Linda McMahon to save the National Center for Educational Statistics after layoffs in recent weeks. The agency has reportedly been shrunk from 100 employees to just three.

The ex-Microsoft CEO—who has a net worth of $117 billion according to Forbes—has poured $10 million into a new nonprofit, USAFacts, since launching it in 2017. The site purports to provide straightfoward and “unbiased” reports on U.S. government data. “We don’t make predictions and we don’t speculate on causes,” Ballmer said about USAFacts in 2024. “We focus on providing Americans with clear, nonbiased numbers.”

He signed the letter, published a day after the Clippers clinched the West’s No. 4 seed, as the founder of USAFacts. 

In his letter, Ballmer criticizes the department for cutting back on its data collection efforts.

“When Secretary McMahon was sworn in to lead the Department of Education, she outlined a goal to ‘send education back to the states and empower all parents to choose an excellent education for their children,’” Ballmer wrote. “Without passing judgement on any administration’s education policy, there is a key component that states, school districts, and parents need to make those fundamental decisions: data.” 

Ballmer asked McMahon to reconsider cuts to the National Center for Education Statistics because of his company’s reliance on it and the vital information it provides on learning trends nationwide.

“These are indicators of our nation’s educational health, and the American people rely on these figures being published by a reliable national source,” Ballmer wrote. 

McMahon was confirmed as the head of the department early last month. Along with her estranged husband, Vince McMahon, she was the CEO of of WWE before jumping into politics in 2009.

The Department of Education has been a major Trump target since his second term began in January. He has said it’s his goal to shutter the department entirely.

USAFacts and the Clippers both did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rozier

Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups Will Fight Gambling Cases

Both disputed prosecutors’ versions of events Thursday night.
Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center

NBA’s NBC Return Draws 5.9M Viewers, Best Opener Since 2010

Thunder vs. Rockets peaked at 7.1 million viewers.
Brian Windhorst

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.
Malik Beasley

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Giannis Antetokounmpo

DHS Is Arguing With an NBA Fan Account on Twitter

The official government account was arguing with an anonymous Bucks fan.
Donald Trump
October 15, 2025

Trump Again Threatens to Move World Cup, Olympics

Trump claimed he could target Boston if he deemed the city unsafe.
Donald Trump
October 16, 2025

FIFA Backs Down, Suggests Trump Could Move World Cup Games

Trump has threatened to remove games from Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
October 14, 2025

Infantino Says FIFA Will Help Rebuild Soccer Facilities in Gaza

Invited by Trump, Infantino attended Gaza peace talks with world leaders.
Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys outside linebacker Poasa Ute (35) and Wendell Gregory (4) celebrate during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
exclusive
October 7, 2025

New Bill Aims to Prohibit Athletic Department, Conference Private-Equity Deals

The bill would bar schools from selling ownership stakes.
September 26, 2025

Trump Visit Adds Political Theater to Ryder Cup’s Opening Day

President Donald Trump attended the Ryder Cup on Friday afternoon.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.
September 26, 2025

Trump Says He’ll Move World Cup If He Deems Host Cities Unsafe

The president has vowed to lower crime in cities.