Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): US President-elect Donald Trump has nominiated Linda McMahon to serve as his Education Secretary, tapping the former WWE executive and business leader for a role overseeing a department that Trump has previously proposed eliminating.
McMahon, known for her leadership at the pro-Trump think tank America First Policy Institute (AFPI), has long championed the cause of school choice, advocating for policies that give families greater access to diverse educational options.
In a statement, Trump praised McMahon’s work at AFPI, where she led efforts to expand universal school choice in 12 states, aiming to provide children with quality education opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. He highlighted her dedication to advancing "Parents' Rights" in education and expressed confidence in her ability to push for broader educational reforms.
Before being named to this post, McMahon had been in the running for Commerce Secretary but was ultimately passed over in favour of Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.
McMahon is no stranger to the Trump administration, having previously served as the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2017 to 2019 and as a major donor and ally of Trump’s throughout his political career.
Her appointment signals Trump’s continued push for policies that reflect his commitment to conservative principles, particularly around education.
While Trump has often talked about abolishing the Department of Education, a move that would require Congressional approval, it remains to be seen whether McMahon will focus on restructuring the department, scaling back its influence, or doubling down on expanding school choice initiatives as her primary agenda.
