Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and a prominent ally, as his candidate for secretary of education. McMahon, who co-chaired Trump’s transition team, previously headed the Small Business Administration during his first term and has made significant financial contributions to his campaigns. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized her extensive leadership experience and knowledge in both education and business, asserting that she is well-positioned to empower the next generation of American students and workers.
McMahon’s nomination comes shortly after Trump selected Mehmet Oz, a well-known television personality and physician, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, signaling a trend of appointing devoted supporters to pivotal cabinet positions. Trump, who has been critical of the Department of Education, has pledged to decentralize educational authority, promoting McMahon to lead efforts in returning control of education back to the states.
While McMahon has a notable background in the WWE, she has limited formal experience in education, having only served on Connecticut’s state board of education briefly from 2009 to 2010. Currently, she chairs the America First Policy Institute, which supports many of Trump’s initiatives, bolstering her likelihood of confirmation in the Republican-controlled Senate. Trump praised her advocacy for parents’ rights and commitment to educational reform.
However, McMahon’s nomination has come under scrutiny due to a recent lawsuit alleging that she and other WWE officials allowed the abuse of minors by a deceased company announcer. The McMahon family has denied these allegations, labeling them as unfounded and baseless.
Linda McMahon’s potential entry into the education sector may bring a fresh, albeit controversial perspective on educational policies. Her supporters might see her nomination as a rallying point for parental empowerment and educational reform, instilling hope in those who wish to see educational control returned to local communities.