Trump Selects Linda McMahon for Department of Education

President-elect Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Tuesday night, revealing his intention to appoint Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as the Secretary of the Department of Education. The announcement came through a post on Truth Social and followed reports from sources indicating McMahon’s potential selection.

Background of the Appointment

In his statement, Trump expressed enthusiasm for McMahon’s appointment, stating, “It is my great honor to announce that Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, will be the United States Secretary of Education.” He emphasized McMahon’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities across the nation, pledging that she would tirelessly advocate for school choice initiatives and empower parents in making educational decisions for their children.

Trump highlighted McMahon’s previous experience on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she served alongside fourteen other members overseeing public education in the state. This experience, he argued, positioned her favorably to lead reforms in the Department of Education.

Linda McMahon’s Credentials and Vision

McMahon, who was appointed as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2019, is married to WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Together, they launched WWE in 1980, establishing a legacy in the sports entertainment industry.

In Trump’s statement, he praised McMahon’s leadership skills and her understanding of education and business. He declared, “Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World.” Furthermore, he reiterated his administration’s goal of decentralizing education, specifying that they plan to “send Education BACK TO THE STATES,” with McMahon at the helm of this initiative.

Previous Experiences and Expectations

During her tenure as the administrator of the Small Business Administration, McMahon described her role as “immensely rewarding.” She stepped down from the position in 2019, citing her desire to return to the private sector while pledging ongoing support for Trump and his policies. In her resignation letter, she 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.”

The selection of McMahon has drawn interest amid ongoing discussions about the future of the Department of Education. Trump has often expressed skepticism about the agency’s value, suggesting that a reevaluation or even a disbandment might be necessary. The Department of Education, which has been operational since 1980, states its mission as promoting student achievement and ensuring equal access to education.

Debate Over the Department’s Role

Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos recently weighed in on the discussion, stating during an interview that the Department of Education “doesn’t really add any value anywhere.” DeVos suggested that the opportunity to radically reform the department is “wide open,” advocating for a shift in how educational funding is managed.

She proposed a strategy for “taking the power away from the Department of Education,” advocating for a block-grant system that would distribute funds at a more localized level. DeVos argued that this approach would facilitate better decision-making at the community level, asserting, “The bureaucrats at the Department of Education aren’t doing the job. They haven’t done the job for more than four decades to close the achievement gaps — they’ve only widened.”

Conclusion

The appointment of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education signals Trump’s commitment to reinforcing school choice and empowering parents in their educational decisions. As discussions about the future of the Department of Education continue, McMahon’s leadership will be critical in shaping policies and navigating the complexities of American education in the coming years.