Linda McMahon, former head of the US Small Business Administration and ex-World Wrestling Entertainment executive, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Education Department. If confirmed by the Senate, McMahon will oversee a department Trump has criticized, advocating for states to manage their own education systems. Trump praised McMahon, a “fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights,” for her commitment to expanding educational choice and empowering parents.
Previously, McMahon had served on the Connecticut State Board of Education before unsuccessful runs for the U.S. Senate. She was also a major donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, contributing over $20 million to related super PACs. McMahon has expressed skepticism towards diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, labeling them costly and burdensome in an op-ed.
In addition to her prospective Education Department role, McMahon is involved with Trump’s administration transition. She co-chairs the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank established by former Trump officials. Trump aims to appoint other institute affiliates, including Doug Collins for Veterans Affairs and Lee Zeldin for the Environmental Protection Agency.
In a recent event, McMahon joined Trump at a SpaceX Starship launch, where another transition team member, Elon Musk, was announced as co-chair of a new Government Efficiency Department. Trump also nominated Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and McMahon’s co-chair, for commerce secretary.
The Education Department, with a $241.6 billion budget and about 13,000 employees, faces potential reform under McMahon’s leadership, who aims to align with Trump’s educational priorities. The administration plans to defund schools promoting critical race theory and other contentious topics through executive orders, further indicating a shift in educational policy.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/19/trump-names-former-wrestling-executive-linda-mcmahon-as-his-pick-for-education-secretary.html
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