Donald Trump has officially nominated Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and former head of the Small Business Administration, to lead the U.S. Department of Education. This decision comes as Trump prepares for his potential return to the White House in 2025.
McMahon has been a key player in Trump’s political circle, donating millions to his campaign and playing a role in his administration. It is reported that by July this year, she had contributed over $800,000 to his campaign and had also previously raised substantial funds through the pro-Trump Super PAC, America First Action.
In his statement on the Truth Social platform, Trump described her as a strong advocate for educational reform, stating that she will “spearhead” efforts to return education authority to the states.
This aligns with his promise to dismantle the Department of Education, which he views as an ineffective institution pushing a “woke” agenda on American children.
However, Linda McMahon’s nomination is not without controversy. She has no significant experience in education policy beyond a brief stint on Connecticut’s State Board of Education. Her professional background lies primarily in the wrestling industry, where she co-founded WWE. Critics have raised concerns about her suitability for the role at a time when the U.S. education system is facing numerous challenges, including budget cuts and decreased student performance post-pandemic.
In addition to her nomination, Linda McMahon and her husband, Vince McMahon, are currently embroiled in a lawsuit alleging that they enabled the sexual abuse of young boys by a former WWE employee. According to USA Today Sports, McMahon’s legal team has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “false claims” and “utterly meritless.” This ongoing legal case makes her nomination as Education Secretary a bit sketchy.
Trump has said that McMahon is dedicated to supporting “school choice” and assisting parents in making the best educational decisions for their children. However, there has been strong opposition from educators and advocacy groups who are concerned about the potential consequences of breaking down the Department of Education and giving full control over education to individual states. Many experts worry that such a shift could lead to unequal access to quality education across different regions.
