How much does Trump education pick Linda McMahon actually know about education?
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Although Trump's selection for education secretary isn't widely recognized in educational spheres, she is well-known in a different arena: the WWE wrestling ring.
Former wrestling executive and billionaire Linda McMahon has surprised educators by being announced as Trump's pick to head the Department of Education – or possibly to spearhead efforts to dismantle it entirely.
So, what is her actual background in education?
McMahon, a significant contributor to the Republican Party, has a stronger background in business than in education. He was allegedly interested in the Commerce position that ultimately went to Howard Lutnick, as appointed by Trump.
The billionaire was a member of the Connecticut Board of Education for a year beginning in 2009, after leaving WWE. She informed lawmakers that she had always been passionate about education and had originally intended to pursue a teaching career, but this ambition was set aside after marrying Vince McMahon.
She dedicated many years to serving on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.
Following the announcement of her nomination, the National Education Association alleged that McMahon was untruthful about possessing a degree in education at the time she was nominated to Connecticut’s State Board of Education.
The group referenced a 2010 article from the New York Post that stated her degree was actually in French.
The organization also expressed that McMahon is "seriously unqualified" for the role of Secretary of Education. They noted, "Similar to Betsy DeVos, McMahon lacks experience in public education and does not grasp what is needed to support the success of all students."
Becky Pringle, the President of the National Education Association, expressed strong criticism in a statement, arguing that Trump's selection demonstrates that the president-elect is indifferent to the future of students.
"Pringle stated that during his initial term, Donald Trump selected Betsy DeVos with the aim of weakening and eventually privatizing public schools by using vouchers."
He and Linda McMahon are once again pushing their radical Project 2025 plan, which aims to dismantle the Department of Education. This proposal threatens to divert essential resources from our most at-risk students, increase the number of students in classrooms, reduce funding for job training programs, and make college unaffordable for middle-class families. It also endangers special education services for students with disabilities and jeopardizes the civil rights protections of students.
The organization urged the Senate to deny her nomination.
Some people shared the education association's perspective.
"Students in schools and colleges across America deserve an Education Secretary with extensive experience in the field," said Shaun Harper, a professor of education, public policy, and business at USC, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
"Instead, they hired someone who used to work as an executive at World Wrestling Entertainment. This is not only disrespectful but also undermines the hard work of our skilled teachers."
However, some educators have urged for moderation.
Rick Hess, who heads education policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, mentioned that he is holding off on forming an opinion until he gathers more information about McMahon.
"I’m not familiar with McMahon, but I'm eager to discover her perspectives in the upcoming weeks. If you're looking for immediate praise or criticism, you should probably find another source. However, considering the impressive approach taken by 'outsider' Betsy DeVos and the significant shortcomings demonstrated by experienced school leader Miguel Cardona, I would be cautious about making sweeping judgments based solely on someone's background," he mentioned in a post on X.
In the meantime, Connecticut Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, who won against her in the US Senate elections of 2010 and 2012 respectively, commended McMahon following Trump's announcement. Blumenthal referred to her as “someone with significant achievements and skills,” while Murphy described her as a “skilled and seasoned business leader.”
McMahon attempted to secure a US Senate seat in Connecticut on two occasions, but was unsuccessful in both attempts.
As a devoted supporter of Trump, he appointed her to head the Small Business Administration during his initial term. This agency provides loans and disaster assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as oversees the adherence of government officials to contract regulations.
In 2019, McMahon took on the role of chairperson for the pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, and she also chairs the board of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank that supports Trump’s agenda.
At the same time, her husband Vince McMahon, from whom she is now separated, is dealing with serious allegations related to sexual misconduct and human trafficking.
Both individuals are mentioned in a civil lawsuit filed by unnamed plaintiffs who allege that ringside announcer Melvin Phillips Jr exploited his role at WWE to “groom and mistreat” the “ring boys.” McMahon's attorney has described the lawsuit as “without merit.”
If she is confirmed as the education secretary, McMahon has shown her alignment with Trump's fight against wokeness.
"Last month on the Lou Holtz Show podcast, she expressed her concerns, saying, 'We have an overload of our politically correct culture. There's an excessive focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.'"
Nevertheless, she went on to express: "At this point, diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial. I think everyone deserves the same chances and should be treated fairly."
This report includes contributions from the Associated Press.
