Donald Trump Names WWE Co-Founder Linda McMahon as Education Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as the United States Secretary of Education. The announcement, made on November 19, 2024, signals Trump's commitment to reducing federal oversight in education and returning control to state governments.

McMahon's Appointment: A Bold Shift in Education Policy

McMahon, who led the SBA from 2017 to 2019 during Trump's first term, will take charge of the Department of Education with a mandate to significantly downsize the agency. Trump’s statement emphasized a decentralized approach: “We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.”

This marks a continuation of Trump’s broader agenda to reduce the federal government’s role in education, shifting key responsibilities, such as school funding and policy-making, to individual states.

Who is Linda McMahon?

Linda McMahon rose to prominence as the co-founder of WWE alongside her husband, Vince McMahon. Her political career began with two bids for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut, followed by her leadership of the SBA. McMahon also served as chair of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank established to advance Trump’s policy priorities.

Despite her contributions to business and politics, McMahon and WWE have faced controversies, including lawsuits alleging misconduct within the organization. However, her supporters point to her executive experience and alignment with Trump’s vision as key assets for her new role.

Impact of the Nomination

The Department of Education, which oversees public school funding, federal student aid programs, and educational data collection, could see a dramatic transformation under McMahon’s leadership. Critics argue that dismantling federal oversight risks widening disparities in education, while proponents applaud the move as a step toward localized governance and innovation.

A Trusted Trump Ally

McMahon’s close association with Trump dates back to her work on his transition team and her staunch advocacy of his economic policies. At the recent Republican National Convention, she described Trump as “a job creator and the best friend American workers have had in the White House.”

Looking Ahead

McMahon’s nomination awaits Senate confirmation. If approved, her tenure is likely to reshape the education landscape, reflecting Trump’s vision of state-driven reform. Whether this decentralization will lead to improved outcomes or exacerbate existing challenges remains to be seen.