The U.S. Senate approved Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education on March 3, 2025, by a vote of 51 to 45, split down party lines. McMahon, who helped to create World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was previously in charge of the Small Business Administration (SBA), is now in charge of the Department of Education, even though President Trump wants to greatly lower its role.
Background and Qualifications
Linda McMahon’s professional background includes co-founding WWE and serving as the head of the SBA during Trump’s first term. Her experience in educational policy is limited, having served briefly on Connecticut’s State Board of Education. Despite this, McMahon has expressed support for school choice and charter schools, aligning with the administration’s educational priorities.
Mandate to Dismantle the Department
President Trump has been vocal about his desire to dismantle the Department of Education, asserting that education should be managed at the state level. McMahon has pledged to work towards this goal, acknowledging that the department’s elimination requires congressional approval. In the interim, she plans to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency to identify and implement spending cuts within the department.
Commitment to Key Educational Programs
During her confirmation hearing, McMahon assured lawmakers that essential programs such as Title I funding, Pell Grants, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness would be preserved. She emphasized that any efforts to reduce the department’s size would not come at the expense of these critical services, which support low-income students and those pursuing higher education.
Controversies and Criticisms
McMahon’s confirmation has been met with criticism from various education professionals and organizations. Concerns have been made about her skills and the bad effects that getting rid of the Department of Education might have on public schools. Critics say that these kinds of actions could hurt public schools and encourage outsourcing, which could make the gap between rich and poor in education even bigger.
What to Do Next
As Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon has to lead the department while also pushing the administration’s plan to reduce the federal government’s role. What she does in the next few months will have a big impact on how the federal government works with schools in the future and on how programs are put into place that will touch millions of kids across the country.
