In Washington, Linda McMahon has once characterized herself as an outsider making her entrance into the educational sphere, presenting herself as a business leader driven by an “inquiring mind” ready to challenge existing norms and strive for better outcomes for students. This perspective dates back to her initial involvement with the Connecticut Board of Education 15 years ago. As she now aims for the position of the country’s education chief, supporters continue to echo her narrative, advocating for her unconventional qualifications.
Despite lacking the standard credentials that typically accompany this role, her backers are quick to claim this as an asset. With a strong business acumen and limited ties to the education sector—an industry poised for substantial transformation under President Donald Trump—McMahon is viewed as a candidate who can bring fresh perspectives. Ed Patru, a friend and former spokesperson from her Senate campaign, expressed that McMahon’s private-sector experience may resonate better with a public that is increasingly skeptical of governmental institutions.
Her nomination puts her at the center of a heated political confrontation. The White House is contemplating an executive order to instruct the education secretary to minimize the agency’s size significantly and potentially advocate for its complete dissolution in Congress. Several of Trump’s appointees have already placed numerous staff members on paid leave, seeking external advice to cut costs substantially.
Democratic leaders in Congress are mounting a strong rebuttal, arguing that Trump lacks the authority to dismantle the agency or its essential programs that allocate tens of billions in funding to educational institutions and students. At McMahon’s upcoming confirmation hearing, Democrats are expected to rigorously question her regarding Trump’s agenda and her readiness to enforce it. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy has raised concerns, claiming that shutting down the department would have disastrous repercussions for students across the country, emphasizing that “millions of kids rely on our public schools for their education.”
President Trump has already issued multiple directives that demand proactive measures from the Education Department, including plans to redirect federal funds to support school choice, scrutinize antisemitism on college campuses, and cut federal aid to schools that offer controversial teachings regarding race and gender. This scenario could place McMahon in a challenging position where she would be tasked with executing a series of new policies while simultaneously overseeing the department’s contraction.
Linda McMahon and her husband, Vince, gained fame for constructing the World Wrestling Entertainment empire, which catapulted them into the spotlight and amassed substantial wealth. McMahon served as CEO until 2009 before making two unsuccessful runs for the U.S. Senate. A close Trump ally, she previously held the role of the Small Business Administration’s head during his initial term.
Her experience in education is notably less comprehensive when compared to her predecessors, having spent only one year on the Connecticut Board of Education in 2009, in addition to serving as a long-term trustee at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. McMahon has expressed support for apprenticeships as viable alternatives to traditional higher education pathways. At the K-12 level, she advocates for expanded school choice and greater curriculum transparency.
Concerns linger regarding how closely McMahon’s beliefs align with those of Trump, especially on issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Previously, she identified as a fiscal conservative but a social moderate. While McMahon recently opposed a proposal from the Biden administration aimed at mandating diversity initiatives within apprenticeship programs, she acknowledged in a radio interview that certain facets of DEI are commendable and should be prioritized.
Though McMahon did not provide comments for this article, her past involvement in educational roles paints her as someone willing to immerse herself in understanding the dynamics of the institutions she was part of. Appointed by Sacred Heart’s former president Anthony Cernera, she engaged thoroughly in every board meeting and kept a vigilant eye on the university’s financial state.
In 2009, following concerns about the performance of the Greenwich Public Schools—where her children were enrolled—McMahon reached out to the governor, leading to her appointment to the Connecticut state education board. Expressing shock at the educational shortcomings in a wealthy area like Greenwich, she highlighted pressing issues regarding growing academic achievement disparities based on race and socioeconomic status.
At a Senate hearing, McMahon candidly stated, “I don’t come before you today as an educator — I make no bones about that,” acknowledging her lack of direct expertise while affirming her willingness to listen and learn. After a year of participation, she exited the board to pursue her Senate campaign. Running as a self-funded Republican, she faced persistent scrutiny regarding her history in pro wrestling.
In 2022, new allegations surfaced against the McMahon family, with a lawsuit claiming negligence regarding the sexual abuse of young male wrestlers during the 1970s to 1990s within WWE. Linda McMahon’s attorney has dismissed these claims, labeling them as unfounded and filled with falsehoods.
After unsuccessful Senate campaigns in 2010 and 2012, McMahon continued her political involvement as a substantial donor, funneling millions into Trump’s 2016 campaign and subsequent fundraising efforts. Beyond her role in Trump’s administration, she co-chaired his transition team and currently serves as a director on the board of Trump’s media company, responsible for the Truth Social platform. She has committed to severing ties with her board and relinquishing stock options if she secures the education secretary position.
During her time at the SBA, she received praise for enhancing the agency’s capability to grant loans following disasters. However, as she steps into the spotlight as a potential education secretary, her nomination has garnered mixed reactions. Senator Patty Murray from Washington has expressed skepticism regarding McMahon’s qualifications, emphasizing the need for a leader who prioritizes students and educators.
Opposition to McMahon’s nomination is evident from major teachers’ unions and civil rights groups, whereas many Republicans support her selection, arguing that her understanding of education is crucial for economic growth. Earlier this year, McMahon reached out to senators on Capitol Hill in preparation for her confirmation hearing, asserting her commitment to “reform” the Education Department.
In her own words, McMahon stated, “I’m ready to make America’s education system great again. Let’s get this done together.”
