Ex-WWE CEO Linda McMahon Tapped to Lead Education Department as Trump Pushes Bold Reforms, Advocates for Returning Control to States and Empowering Parents
In a move that underscores his commitment to decentralizing federal control, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), to lead the Department of Education.
McMahon, a long-time ally of Trump and a prominent donor to his presidential campaigns, is being hailed by the president-elect as a “fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights.” Trump has tasked her with spearheading his pledge to return educational oversight “back to the states” and ultimately eliminate the federal Department of Education.
McMahon’s Unique Background
While McMahon’s name is synonymous with the wrestling industry, she has built a substantial record outside the ring. She served two years on the Connecticut Board of Education and spent 16 years on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic institution. Additionally, she chairs the Center for the American Worker at the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute.
Trump highlighted her business acumen, crediting her leadership at WWE for transforming the organization into a global powerhouse. McMahon left WWE in 2009 to pursue a political career, running twice for a U.S. Senate seat, albeit unsuccessfully.
A Wrestling Connection Turned Political Partnership
McMahon and Trump’s relationship dates back to her WWE days, where their collaboration included Trump’s infamous televised body-slamming of her husband, Vince McMahon, in the ring. Despite the theatrics, their professional ties grew stronger, culminating in McMahon’s 2017 appointment as head of the Small Business Administration under Trump’s administration.
A Radical Vision for Education
Trump has long promised to overhaul the federal education system. Speaking at a rally in Wisconsin in September, he declared, “We will ultimately eliminate the federal Department of Education.” McMahon’s appointment reflects Trump’s push for state-led educational reform and parental empowerment in shaping school policies.
A New Role in the Trump Comeback
As co-chair of Trump’s transition team, McMahon is playing a pivotal role in preparing his administration’s return to the White House in January, which involves filling 4,000 government positions. Her nomination signals Trump’s commitment to reshaping the education system through bold, unconventional leadership.
McMahon described her relationship with Trump as one of respect and friendship, calling him a “colleague, boss, and a friend” at the recent Republican convention in Milwaukee.
If confirmed, McMahon’s tenure will likely redefine the federal government’s role in education, marking another chapter in her storied career at the intersection of business, politics, and now public service.
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