President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, a billionaire professional wrestling executive and former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as Secretary of Education. This appointment reflects Trump’s pledge to overhaul the Department of Education, signaling a dramatic shift in its priorities.
McMahon served as SBA Administrator during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2019. Prior to her government role, she co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) with her husband, Vince McMahon, transforming it into a global entertainment powerhouse. She also ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate twice in Connecticut.
Her background in education includes a brief stint on the Connecticut Board of Education in 2009 and serving as a trustee for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. While not a prominent figure in education policy, McMahon has expressed support for charter schools and school choice, aligning with Trump’s reform agenda.
This nomination underscores Trump’s focus on reducing federal oversight and promoting school choice as central to education reform. As Secretary of Education, McMahon will be tasked with advancing these goals, though her limited experience in public education may raise concerns during the confirmation process.
By selecting McMahon, Trump is emphasizing his vision for a streamlined federal role in education, centered on empowering parents and local authorities through innovation and choice. Her leadership will be crucial in shaping the administration’s education policies moving forward.
