Date: November 20, 2024
Trump names Linda McMahon as his pick for Education secretary
President-elect Trump Nominates Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education
President-elect Donald Trump has announced Linda McMahon as his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Education. McMahon, a former pro-wrestling executive and Republican donor, is Trump’s transition co-chair and previously served as the head of the Small Business Administration during his first term.
Trump confirmed the decision on Tuesday night, following reports that McMahon was initially considered for the Commerce secretary role. Earlier in the day, Trump named Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as his pick for Commerce secretary, after Lutnick had also been in contention for Treasury secretary.
“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,” Trump said in a statement. “We will send education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.”
McMahon, who co-founded WWE with her husband Vince McMahon, transformed the company from a small wrestling entertainment business into a global media empire. She stepped down as CEO in 2009 and later transitioned to a political career. She unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2010 and 2012, funding her campaigns with over $98 million of her own money. Trump himself donated $5,000 to her 2012 campaign.
During Trump’s first term, McMahon served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. She left the role to chair America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC, and later co-founded the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). AFPI, which has raised millions of dollars since its inception, has been described as a “White-House-in-waiting” and is actively shaping potential policies for Trump’s second term.
Challenges and Goals for the Education Department
McMahon’s potential role as Education Secretary comes with a controversial mandate. Trump has frequently advocated for abolishing the Department of Education, citing a desire to shift control over education back to the states. While dismantling the department entirely would require congressional approval, many Republicans favor reducing the federal government’s influence on local education systems.
If confirmed, McMahon could focus on streamlining federal education programs, delivering funds to states with fewer restrictions, and reversing policies implemented under the Biden administration. One priority may include revising Title IX regulations, potentially rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ students and restricting trans students from participating in girls’ sports, a key campaign issue for Trump.
The Department of Education also oversees critical responsibilities, including managing the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio and distributing federal funding to nearly all public K-12 schools. Some speculate that programs might be redistributed to other federal agencies rather than entirely eliminated.
A Legacy of Leadership
As the former CEO of WWE, McMahon played a pivotal role in growing the company into a publicly traded media empire. Her leadership and business acumen, coupled with her experience in government, have earned her Trump’s confidence to lead the education department.
McMahon’s political contributions further highlight her Republican ties. During Trump’s 2016 campaign, she donated over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs, solidifying her role as a key ally in his political endeavors.
If confirmed, McMahon will face the challenge of balancing the federal government’s critical role in education with Trump’s agenda of reducing federal oversight and empowering states to take the lead.