Trump Shakes Up Education with Surprising Pick: Linda McMahon Named as Secretary
In a pivotal announcement Tuesday night, President-elect Donald Trump named Linda McMahon, co-chair of his transition team and former head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as his nominee for Secretary of Education. The move, which aligns with earlier reporting by CNN, comes after McMahon was considered but ultimately passed over for the role of Commerce Secretary.
Earlier that day, Trump appointed Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and another transition co-chair, to lead the Commerce Department. Lutnick had previously been floated as a contender for Treasury Secretary, competing with hedge fund manager Scott Bessent for the role.
In a statement, Trump praised McMahon’s extensive leadership experience in both business and education, positioning her as a pivotal figure in reshaping the nation’s education system.
A Transformational Figure
McMahon, a prominent Republican donor and former WWE executive, served as SBA administrator during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2019. After leaving the SBA, she took on a leadership role at America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC, and later became chair of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank shaping potential policy initiatives for Trump’s administration.
AFPI, often described as a “White House-in-waiting,” has raised significant funds since its inception in 2021. It aims to craft conservative policies, including those that may influence the future of federal education initiatives.
As Secretary of Education, McMahon could oversee a radical shift in the department’s priorities. Trump has frequently called for the abolition of the Department of Education, a proposal that would require congressional approval. While dissolving the department entirely may prove difficult, McMahon is likely to lead efforts to reduce federal oversight in education, focusing instead on state control and localized decision-making.
Potential Policy Shifts
Under McMahon's leadership, the department may revisit Biden administration policies, particularly changes to Title IX that expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students. Trump’s campaign emphasized rolling back such changes, including restricting transgender students from participating in girls' sports.
McMahon’s corporate background is equally notable. As co-founder and former CEO of WWE, she transformed the wrestling company into a global media empire before stepping down in 2009. Her political career has included two self-funded bids for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut, where she spent nearly $100 million across two campaigns.
A longtime supporter of Trump, McMahon contributed over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs during his first presidential campaign and continues to wield significant influence within Republican circles.
This appointment signals Trump’s commitment to reshaping the education system while leaning on trusted allies to implement his vision for a second term. Further developments are expected as McMahon prepares for Senate confirmation hearings.
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