Trump Taps Linda McMahon as New Secretary of Education

Linda McMahon has been named as President-Elect Donald Trump’s nominee for education secretary, following a series of appointments within his transition team. Previously, McMahon served as head of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 before stepping down to lead America First Action, a pro-Trump Super PAC.

During her tenure in office, McMahon had limited experience in education, having served on Connecticut’s state board of education for just over a year. Her appointment raised significant questions about her qualifications, and she faced scrutiny for misrepresenting her educational background. While she claimed to have a degree in education, her actual degree is in French.

Trump’s educational policy agenda indicates a dramatic shift. He aims to dismantle the Department of Education, promote parental rights, support school prayer, and expand “school choice” through vouchers for private education. This mirrors the initiatives championed by Betsy DeVos, who held the education secretary position during Trump’s first term and was a fervent advocate for school choice.

The incoming administration’s stance on federal funding is particularly controversial. Trump plans to cut funds to K-12 schools that teach subjects he deems critical race theory or related ideologies. His proposed measures also include restrictions on state tuition for undocumented immigrants and a rollback of protections for transgender athletes, notably concerning participation in women’s sports.

In announcing McMahon’s nomination, Trump proclaimed a mission to return educational control to the states. However, experts argue that state governments already determine local curricula and policies while the federal Department of Education oversees funding and equal access across schools.

McMahon’s political aspirations aren’t limited to her recent appointment; she previously ran for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut, investing significant personal finances into her campaigns but ultimately losing twice, in 2010 and again in 2012. Known for her mixed views on abortion, she held pro-choice sentiments but opposed federal funding for certain procedures.

Recently, both McMahon and her husband, Vince, have faced allegations related to sexual misconduct within the World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE), which they co-founded. This included being named in a lawsuit connected to historical sexual abuse claims involving underage boys. Such scandals could complicate her confirmation as education secretary, especially given the ongoing national conversation surrounding accountability in cases of sexual assault, particularly in academic settings.

Critics of the Trump administration’s previous education policies maintain that previous changes to Title IX made it difficult for survivors of sexual assault to seek justice. As the Biden administration has restored protections for campus assault survivors, questions remain about McMahon’s potential policies should she assume the role of education secretary.