President elect Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and his transition co-chair, as his nominee for education secretary. The announcement was made on Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he praised Linda McMahon’s extensive leadership experience and commitment to empowering future generations of American students and workers.
Linda McMahon, a long-time ally of Donald Trump, served as the head of the Small Business Administration during his first presidency. Known for her deep ties to Donald Trump’s political campaigns, Linda McMahon has donated millions of dollars to his electoral efforts. Her appointment aligns with Donald Trump’s pattern of nominating loyal supporters to key cabinet positions, such as his recent selections of celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary.
Donald Trump’s choice of Linda McMahon reflects his critical stance on the Department of Education. He has repeatedly vowed to dismantle the department, promising to shift its responsibilities to state control. In his statement, Donald Trump emphasized Linda McMahon’s dedication to parents’ rights and education reform, a commitment she demonstrated as board chair of the pro-Donald Trump think tank, the America First Policy Institute. Linda McMahon is expected to lead the effort to decentralize education policy if confirmed by the Republican-majority Senate.
Linda McMahon’s professional background primarily lies outside the education sector. She co-founded WWE with her husband in 1980, helping build the wrestling enterprise into a global entertainment brand. She served as WWE’s CEO until 2009, when she resigned to pursue a Senate bid, which ultimately failed. Although her direct experience in education is limited, Linda McMahon briefly served on Connecticut’s state board of education from 2009 to 2010.
Her nomination comes amid ongoing controversy. Linda McMahon was recently named in a lawsuit alleging that she, her husband, and other WWE leaders knowingly allowed a ringside announcer to abuse young boys. The announcer, who died in 2012, was the focus of the claims. The Linda McMahons have denied any wrongdoing, with their attorney dismissing the accusations as baseless and defamatory.
Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Linda McMahon for the role of education secretary marks another significant appointment as he prepares to return to the White House. The move has sparked debate, highlighting Linda McMahon’s close ties to Donald Trump, her limited experience in education, and her longstanding influence in business and politics.
