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President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intent to appoint Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as the next Secretary of Education.
McMahon, 76, brings a unique blend of business acumen and public service experience to the role, with a mission to prioritize school choice and decentralize education.
The announcement, made Tuesday night on Trump’s Truth Social platform, emphasized McMahon’s extensive leadership background and her commitment to empowering parents and local communities in educational decision-making. Trump called her selection an honor, stating:
“Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families.”
McMahon’s qualifications include serving on the Connecticut Board of Education and the Board of Trustees at Sacred Heart University. During Trump’s first term, she was the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2017 to 2019. Following her resignation from the SBA, McMahon continued supporting Trump’s policies as chair of the America First Action SuperPAC and later the America First Policy Institute.
A Vision for Localized Education
McMahon’s appointment aligns with Trump’s broader educational agenda, which includes reducing federal control over education and returning authority to states and local communities. Trump reiterated his stance that the Department of Education, established in 1980, has failed to close achievement gaps and has instead widened them.
“We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort,” Trump said. He also commended McMahon’s contributions to advancing universal school choice in 12 states over the past four years, efforts that have expanded access to quality education for families regardless of income or location.
A Unique Path to Leadership
McMahon co-founded WWE alongside her husband, Vince McMahon, in 1980, serving as the company’s CEO until 2009. Her corporate leadership skills and ability to navigate complex systems have been cited as assets that will inform her approach to leading the Department of Education.
Her foray into politics includes two Senate runs in Connecticut, where she advocated for fiscal responsibility and job creation. Despite her losses in 2010 and 2012, she remained a prominent Republican figure and eventually became a trusted member of Trump’s administration.
A Department Under Scrutiny
The Department of Education oversees federal policies on student financial aid and educational standards. However, it has faced criticism for bureaucratic inefficiency. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, a Trump ally, recently echoed calls for decentralization, arguing that decisions about education are best made at the local level.
Trump has previously pledged to abolish the department entirely, stating that it misuses taxpayer funds and promotes “indoctrination” in schools. His appointment of McMahon, a staunch advocate for local control and parental empowerment, underscores his commitment to this vision.
As McMahon awaits Senate confirmation, her appointment marks a continuation of Trump’s efforts to reform the American education system. Trump supporters view McMahon’s selection as another step toward fulfilling promises to reinvigorate American education and place power back in the hands of parents and local communities.