Republican President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former Small Business Administration head and WWE wrestling co-founder Linda McMahon to head the Department of Education (DOE) as his second administration takes shape.
“As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand “Choice” to every state in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” said President Trump on Tuesday.
“We will send education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort,” he added.
Trump highlighted her work towards universal school choice, allowing parents to send their children to schools based on educational quality rather than geographic location.
McMahon served in Trump’s first administration, heading the Small Business Administration from the start of his term through April 2019.
McMahon is one of the two co-chairs of Trump’s 2024 transition team, along with billionaire businessman and Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick.
She is also the board chair of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a non-profit organization focused on promoting liberty and the “America First” policies that Trump has championed on the campaign trail.
“Our guiding principles are liberty, free enterprise, national greatness, American military superiority, foreign-policy engagement in the American interest, and the primacy of American workers, families, and communities in all we do,” says the AFPI
Although her past focus was not on education, she did serve a brief term on the Connecticut State Board of Education from 2009 to 2010.
She left the Education Board to run as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut, though she lost in both 2010 and 2012.
She also served on the Board of Trustees for Sacred Heart University in two stints totaling 16 years.
McMahon responded to her nomination with a post on X, suggesting a plan to ensure quality education for all, without providing any specifics.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with students – educators – parents and communities to strengthen our educational system; ensuring every child regardless of their demographics is prepared for a bright future,” said McMahon on X.
After Trump’s announcement, social media users were quick to dredge up old clips of her time at the WWE, pointing out the stark contrast between her role as a public-facing wrestling business owner and her upcoming role in the federal government.
As was the case when Trump announced his most controversial cabinet pick, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for Attorney General, media outlets were quick to dredge up sexual misconduct allegations against McMahon.
They point to a lawsuit filed in October alleging that McMahon, along with her husband, Vince McMahon, was aware that WWE employee Mel Phillips Jr. was allegedly sexually abusing young boys between the 1970s and 1990s and that they did nothing to stop him.
She has denied the allegations made in the lawsuit.
Trump promised while on the campaign trail that he would abolish the DOE during his second term to bring control over education back to the states.
If he is able to abolish the department, McMahon’s position will be abolished as well.
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