President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Linda McMahon, a former professional wrestling executive and billionaire, to head the U.S. Department of Education. She is known for her work leading the Small Business Administration in Trump’s first administration and her role in a pro-Trump spending group and think tank. McMahon co-founded the WWE professional wrestling franchise with her husband Vince McMahon.
Trump announced McMahon’s selection on Truth Social, emphasizing her business and administrative experience and calling her a “fierce advocate” for parents’ rights and school choice. He also hinted at a reduced role for the Education Department under McMahon’s leadership, suggesting a return of education decisions to the states.
McMahon’s interest in education began after observing shortcomings in the Greenwich, Connecticut school district. She has visited charter, public, and private schools and served on the Connecticut State Board of Education. McMahon has highlighted WWE programs that promote positive messages in schools.
While Trump campaigned on dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, McMahon’s appointment raises questions about the agency’s future. Some of Trump’s proposals, such as promoting patriotic curriculum and ending diversity initiatives, would require a strong bureaucracy like the Education Department to implement.
The reaction to McMahon’s selection has been mixed, with some praising her experience and others questioning her qualifications. Education policy experts are eager to learn more about her priorities and agenda. Trump’s previous education secretary, Betsy DeVos, faced challenges in achieving her policy goals due to lack of congressional support.
McMahon’s confirmation would replace Miguel Cardona, President Joe Biden’s education secretary. Cardona focused on pandemic recovery efforts and student loan forgiveness during his tenure. While Trump’s choice of McMahon signals a shift in education policy, the implications for the future of the Education Department remain uncertain.
