Linda McMahon Named as Potential Secretary of Education in Trump Cabinet

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to appoint Linda McMahon as the new Secretary of the Department of Education in his upcoming Cabinet. This information was confirmed by two sources familiar with the situation to Fox News on Tuesday evening.

A Look at Linda McMahon’s Background

Linda McMahon previously served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first administration from 2017 to 2019. She is perhaps best known as the wife of Vince McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which was established in 1980. McMahon’s tenure in Trump’s Cabinet was marked by an emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses across America.

Following her resignation in 2019, McMahon expressed gratitude for her role. In her resignation statement, she described her tenure as “immensely rewarding” and reflected on the honor it had been to serve in the administration. McMahon stated, “While it has truly been the honor of a lifetime to serve our country in this Administration, it is time for me to step down and return to the private sector. I wish to thank the President and I will continue to be a strong advocate for him and his policies.”

The Future of the Department of Education under Trump

President Trump has previously discussed the possibility of disbanding the Department of Education, an agency that has been operational since 1980. As stated on the agency’s official website, its mission is to “promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages.”

Recent discussions surrounding the agency’s effectiveness have brought attention to its role in the educational landscape. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos articulated her thoughts on the department’s value during a segment with Fox News host Martha MacCallum. DeVos contended that the Department of Education “doesn’t really add any value anywhere” and suggested that the opportunity for radical reform is “wide open” under the new administration.

Reforming Education: DeVos’ Vision

Betsy DeVos, who championed school choice and various reform initiatives during her tenure, believes that a significant restructuring of the Department of Education is necessary. She advised that power should be taken away from the centralized agency and redirected to local authorities, allowing for more tailored and effective decision-making on behalf of students.

In her advocacy for change, DeVos stated, “Take the power away from the Department of Education, block-grant those funds, continue to invest in education, but get it down to a much more local level where better decisions are made on behalf of students.” She emphasized a long-standing concern about the effectiveness of the department, arguing that bureaucrats have not adequately addressed achievement gaps in education, which she claims have only widened over more than four decades.

Public Reactions and Future Implications

The potential appointment of Linda McMahon raises questions about the direction the Trump administration would like to take regarding education policy. Given her background in the private sector and her experience in the Trump administration, McMahon may advocate for policies that emphasize entrepreneurship and diversify educational offerings. However, her selection would also reflect Trump’s contentious stance toward traditional educational frameworks.

Critics argue that dismantling the Department of Education could have far-reaching effects on public education. Advocates for maintaining the department posit that it plays a crucial role in ensuring educational equity across various demographics, including marginalized communities. The dialogue surrounding education in America is complex and reflects broader societal debates about how best to serve students and prepare them for a competitive global landscape.

Conclusion

As Trump prepares to assume office once again, the selection of cabinet members like McMahon will be instrumental in illustrating the administration’s priorities. The outcome of McMahon’s potential role as Secretary of Education could redefine the future of education policy in the United States, emphasizing either localized decision-making and business principles or the continuation of a centralized structure aimed at promoting educational equity. The next few months will be critical in determining the future of educational governance in America.

Fox News Digital’s Joshua Comins contributed to this report.