President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to nominate Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as the next Secretary of Education. McMahon, who has been a prominent supporter of Trump’s policies, would succeed Miguel Cardona in overseeing the Department of Education.
McMahon is widely recognized for her business acumen, having co-founded WWE alongside her husband, Vince McMahon, and serving as its CEO from 1980 to 2009. Her tenure at WWE transformed the organization into a global entertainment powerhouse. In addition to her business achievements, McMahon brings prior public service experience, having led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2019.
While primarily known for her corporate background, McMahon has a history in education policy. She served on the Connecticut State Board of Education from 2009 to 2010, where she worked on initiatives to improve educational outcomes for students in her home state. This experience, though brief, provides some insight into her approach to education reform.
Trump’s decision to nominate McMahon signals a continuation of his administration’s priorities in education policy, which emphasize school choice, charter schools, and reducing federal oversight. During his previous term, Trump’s education agenda sought to expand access to private education through voucher programs and reduce regulations that critics argued burdened local school districts. McMahon’s leadership could further advance these goals, focusing on empowering parents with more educational options and scaling back initiatives addressing issues such as racial disparities in schools.
The potential nomination has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters point to McMahon’s leadership skills and ability to manage large organizations as assets in guiding the Department of Education. Critics, however, question whether her background in business and entertainment provides the necessary expertise to address the complexities of public education. Some education advocates have also expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s stance on issues such as student loan forgiveness, federal funding for public schools, and policies to address inequities in education.
If confirmed by the Senate, McMahon would oversee an agency that plays a critical role in shaping the education landscape for millions of students across the country. Her nomination underscores Trump’s approach to appointing leaders with unconventional backgrounds who align with his broader policy vision.
Sources
Fox News: Trump expected to pick Linda McMahon to serve as education secretary
Wikipedia: Linda McMahon Biography
Wall Street Journal: Trump’s education policies and priorities
