On Tuesday night, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as Secretary of Education. The announcement, shared on Truth Social, follows reports earlier in the day suggesting McMahon as the likely pick.
“It is my great honor to announce that Linda McMahon…will be the United States Secretary of Education,” Trump stated.
A Champion for Educational Choice
Trump praised McMahon’s leadership, emphasizing her commitment to expanding educational options for families across the nation. “Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every state in America and empower parents to make the best education decisions for their families,” the statement read.
McMahon brings a blend of education and business expertise, having served on the Connecticut Board of Education, overseeing public education systems, including technical high schools. Trump underscored her qualifications: “Linda will use her decades of leadership experience and deep understanding of both education and business to empower the next generation of American students and workers.”
A Vision to Decentralize Education
Trump’s appointment of McMahon aligns with his broader vision to shift control of education back to the states. “We will send education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort,” Trump declared.
This approach echoes sentiments shared by former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who recently criticized the Department of Education for failing to close achievement gaps. DeVos has advocated for block-granting education funds to states, arguing that localized decisions better serve students.
From WWE to the SBA to Education Leadership
McMahon’s experience spans co-founding WWE in 1980 alongside her husband, Vince McMahon, to leading the SBA during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2019. Upon leaving the SBA, McMahon reflected on her tenure as “immensely rewarding” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Her transition from the private sector to public service reflects a career defined by resilience and adaptability—qualities that Trump believes will bring transformative change to the nation’s education system.
As the Department of Education faces renewed scrutiny, McMahon’s leadership will be pivotal in redefining its role and prioritizing local control and parental choice in education.
