Trump names Linda McMahon for education secretary
The decision to appoint the WWE co-founder and former SBA administrator is yet another unconventional pick for the new president's Cabinet.
Released on November 19, 2024
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Editor's note: This story is still unfolding and will be updated as new information becomes available.
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Linda McMahon, who spent two years as the head of the Small Business Administration during his first term, to be his nominee for the position of U.S. Secretary of Education.
Late Tuesday evening, around 9 p.m. EST, Trump shared an update on his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated, "Linda will draw on her many years of leadership experience and extensive knowledge of education and business to inspire the upcoming generation of American students and workers, aiming to position America as the top nation in education globally."
In his post, Trump mentioned his commitment to abolishing the U.S. Department of Education. He wrote, "We'll return education control to the states, and Linda will lead this initiative."
"Who Is Linda McMahon?"
McMahon, who previously held the position of president and CEO at World Wrestling Entertainment, a company known for creating and producing scripted wrestling shows, is now the co-chair of the transition team for Trump and Vance.
She has been a member of the Connecticut State Board of Education and has held a position as a trustee at Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic school located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Currently, she serves as the treasurer on the university's Board of Trustees, as mentioned on Sacred Heart's official website.
McMahon serves as the chair of the board for the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit and non-political research group that promotes free markets and national interests. Trump commended her efforts at the AFPI in advocating for universal school choice policies at the state level, stating, “As Secretary of Education, Linda will work relentlessly to ensure 'Choice' is available in every state across the country and help parents make the best educational choices for their children.”
EdChoice, a nonprofit that supports school choice, reports that at least one type of private school option is available in 33 states, along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Earlier this year, EdChoice announced that the number of students participating in private school choice programs has surpassed 1 million for the first time.
In 2012, McMahon emerged victorious in the Connecticut Republican primary for the U.S. Senate but ultimately was defeated by the incumbent Democratic Senator, Chris Murphy.
If approved by the U.S. Senate, she would take over from Miguel Cardona as the 13th person to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education since the department was established in 1979.
