Linda McMahon is back in the political spotlight, this time as President Trump’s pick for Education Secretary. She’s not your typical choice for the job—her background is in business, not education—but her supporters see that as a plus. They believe her experience running a successful company and her outsider status make her the right person to shake things up.
McMahon made a name for herself in the wrestling world, building WWE alongside her husband, Vince, and later serving as head of the Small Business Administration under Trump. Now, she’s being tapped to lead the Education Department, a move that’s already sparking political battles. Trump has talked about cutting or even eliminating the department entirely, and McMahon could be the one tasked with making that happen.
Democrats are pushing back hard. They argue that shutting down the Education Department would hurt millions of students who rely on federal support for schools and universities. At her upcoming confirmation hearing, McMahon is expected to face tough questions about Trump’s education plans and her own stance on issues like school choice, diversity initiatives, and curriculum transparency.
McMahon’s experience in education is limited. She spent a year on the Connecticut Board of Education and has been a trustee at Sacred Heart University. She’s shown interest in alternative education paths like apprenticeships and has been vocal about expanding school choice. However, it’s unclear how closely she aligns with Trump’s more aggressive education policies.
She’s also facing controversy outside the political arena. WWE has been hit with allegations of past sexual abuse, which McMahon’s legal team has strongly denied. Meanwhile, her deep ties to Trump—she’s been a major donor and serves on the board of his media company—have some questioning whether she’ll prioritize education reform or simply push the administration’s agenda.
While Republicans largely support her nomination, teachers’ unions and civil rights groups are opposing it. Some lawmakers believe her business background could bring much-needed efficiency to the department, while others worry she lacks the expertise needed to lead such a critical agency.
Despite the criticism, McMahon remains confident, telling senators she’s ready to “reform” the Education Department. Whether she actually gets the chance to do so will depend on how her confirmation process plays out.