Trump Appoints Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as Education Secretary: A Controversial Pick

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump appointed Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education, a high-profile decision with many questions swirling around McMahon’s own professional wrestling career and previous experience serving as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Now, McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, will run an office that the president-elect has said he would eliminate altogether in his campaign.

But despite these seeming contradictions, her election spotlights a larger theme: an increase in education choice, which has been one of Trump’s guiding policy priorities for education.

 McMahon Advocates for School Choice

Trump’s support for McMahon lies in her advocacy for “Parents’ Rights” and pushing for universal school choice expansion.

Chairman of AFPI, McMahon has championed initiatives focused on better educational opportunities for children irrespective of their socioeconomic background.

Trump pointed out her exhaustive efforts at the AFPI and AFW towards ensuring the achievement of Universal School Choice in 12 states by crediting her commitment to creating educational opportunities for children regardless of zip code or income.

When McMahon takes on the new position of education secretary, she will be at the helm of implementing Trump’s education agenda, which has been pressed forward by giving control to parents regarding their children’s education, along with expanding charter schools and private school options.

According to a statement by Trump, he highlighted that McMahon would “tirelessly” fight to bring Universal School Choice to the national level, stating that “under her leadership,” she would ensure every child had access to quality education.

 Background and Political Alignment

In fact, Linda McMahon was an important supporter and contributor to the Donald Trump campaign for president in 2016, and she has been a consistent advocate for Trump throughout his first term.

Prior to serving as education secretary, Linda McMahon led the Small Business Administration under President Trump, fighting on behalf of policies supporting the growth of small businesses-a perfect amalgamation of her new post with Trump’s platform of being pro-business.

In 2019, McMahon resigned from the SBA to lead America First Action, a super PAC supporting Trump’s reelection bid.

She also chaired the America First Policy Institute, a think tank aligned with Trump’s policy ideals.

Her long-standing political ties to Trump and her involvement in key initiatives have made her a trusted ally in the administration.

Initially, McMahon was viewed as an early favourite for the Secretary of Commerce role, a position that ultimately Trump conferred on Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and another Trump confidant.

However, McMahon’s appointment as secretary of education represents an extension of Trump’s approach to filling his administration with reliable, influential figures drawn from outside the usual politics.

 The Future of the Education Department

The appointment of McMahon to head the Department of Education is remarkable, especially given Trump’s campaign promise to abolish the department.

While Trump has consistently argued for downsizing the federal government, and specifically in education, he has not been able to obtain the necessary legislation with Congress to do so.

Instead, McMaster’s appointment signals an intent on reshaping the department rather than abolishing it.

His skepticism of the federal involvement in education stems from a belief that local communities and parents have better control over the education provided to their children.

It ties together very well with McMahon’s work in advocating universal school choice and alternative education systems in charter and private schools.

However, the road to implementing such policies on a national scale will prove challenging, as it involves more than just pure political will-it also means changes in long-standing federal and state education policies.

 A Controversial Choice

McMahon’s being chosen to head a department Trump once sought to eliminate was indicative of broader patterns in which the president-elect has opted for unconventional figures to fill some key roles in his administration.

The critics point out a paradox about the appointment of McMahon, who has little direct experience with education policies, to handle the task of taking care of the education system in the United States.

Yet, her background in school choice advocacy and loyalty to Trump might offset any concerns about her qualifications for this role.

Additionally, McMahon’s tenure with the SBA gives her experience running a large government agency; she might be better prepared to get through the running of the Department of Education.

There is still the potential for weakness in education policy, which raises questions about whether she can deal with issues such as teacher shortages, fiscal disparities, and issues of equity in education.

 The Future

As education secretary, McMahon will likely focus on pushing forward Trump’s education agenda, which will give top priority to school choice, deregulation of education policies, and a reduction in federal oversight of local school systems.

Her appointment comes at the right time when education policy seems to be so hot in the U.S. with people debating how best to ensure that all children, regardless of background, have access to quality education.

McMahon’s efforts will also be closely watched by education reform advocates, parents, and educators who are looking for tangible changes in the education system.

Her success or failure in implementing the administration’s educational priorities will have long-lasting effects on how education is shaped under Trump’s presidency.

All in all, the Donald Trump’s appointment of Linda McMahon as his education secretary marks a significant feature of the president’s wider approach to governance. The president appoints sincere supporters with business experience to oversee particular governmental functions.

While McMahon lacks experience in education policy, her record on advocating for school choice and her strong connection with Trump suggest that she will work hard to advance the president-elect’s vision on education reform.

Ahead of the Department of Education is a very tough and contested future, and McMahon’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of U.S. education policy over the next few years.