Donald Trump Picks WWE Co-Founder Linda McMahon as Education Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), to serve as the Secretary of Education. McMahon, a long-time ally of Trump and a major donor to his campaigns, has a varied background in business, politics, and education advocacy.
McMahon served on the Connecticut State Board of Education from 2009 to 2010 as well as being a trustee for Sacred Heart University. McMahon has also expressed support for school choice and charter schools, aligning her with conservative educational priorities. However, her nomination is already raising eyebrows due to her limited experience in education.
McMahon’s history in politics
McMahon is no stranger to politics. She unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate twice in Connecticut, spending millions of her own money on those campaigns. During Trump’s first presidential bid, she donated over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs.
McMahon, who served as the head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, has been a fixture in his political sphere for years. She currently chairs the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank, and has played a significant role in shaping his policy agenda. When he announced her nomination, Trump emphasised McMahon’s leadership skills, stating she would “empower the next generation of American students and workers” and spearhead his goal to "send education back to the states."
Critics argue her close ties to Trump and her financial contributions to his campaigns raise concerns about Trump appointing people who are friends or associates to the administration without necessarily taking time to properly consider their qualifications for the roles. Alongside her, Trump has tapped Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary, both prominent supporters of his presidency.
McMahon to potentially oversee closure of Department of Education
One of McMahon's most pressing tasks could be overseeing the closure of the Department of Education, a controversial campaign promise from Trump. While eliminating the agency would require congressional approval, McMahon is expected to work toward reducing federal influence on local education. This could involve shifting programs to other departments and giving states more control over education funding.
While McMahon’s confirmation by the Republican-majority Senate is expected, her role could spark significant debate. Many Republicans see her as an ideal candidate to help dismantle federal oversight of education, but critics worry her lack of education-specific expertise could hinder the agency during a pivotal moment.
The former WWE executive is also dealing with legal challenges unrelated to her new role. A lawsuit filed last month accuses McMahon and her husband, Vince McMahon, of failing to address abuse allegations within the WWE. Their lawyer has dismissed the claims as baseless.
As McMahon prepares to take on this new challenge, the nation waits to see how her business acumen and close relationship with Trump will influence the future of American education.
