Linda McMahon faces a unique challenge as she seeks Senate confirmation to lead an agency that the president aims to dismantle. President Donald Trump has expressed his intentions for the Department of Education to be eliminated, declaring that it has become overrun with “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” In line with this, the White House is contemplating a plan that would involve maintaining the education secretary’s role only to oversee the agency’s dismantlement, with hopes to have Congress fully abolish it.
During a recent press briefing, Trump stated that he wants McMahon to essentially make herself redundant in her role. Although he has not yet finalized an executive order to shut down the department, some of McMahon’s advisors have suggested postponing this move until after her confirmation hearing. It is anticipated that the plan to dismantle the education agency will be a key topic of discussion at the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Democratic senators are preparing to question McMahon regarding her commitment to implement Trump’s agenda, which critics argue would jeopardize public education. Trump has not clarified whether he intends to maintain the fundamental functions of the department, which allocates billions of dollars to educational institutions, manages a significant portfolio of student loans totaling $1.6 trillion, and oversees civil rights regulations in education.
In a correspondence sent to McMahon, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim emphasized that she will be questioned about her support for Trump’s initiative and the specific measures she plans to take. They have requested assurances from her regarding the safeguarding of student loan operations, civil rights protections, and other critical programs highlighted by their concerns.
A prominent associate of Trump, McMahon previously built her wealth as the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and ventured into politics after leaving the wrestling business in 2009. Despite unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut on two occasions, she has made substantial donations to Trump’s campaigns and served as head of the Small Business Administration during his initial term.
McMahon lacks the extensive educational background typically seen in past education secretaries. Her experience includes a year on the Connecticut Board of Education and a longstanding position as a trustee at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. She advocates for expanding school choice initiatives and emphasizes the need for apprenticeships and alternative routes to traditional post-secondary education.
During a 2009 hearing regarding her appointment to the education board, McMahon mentioned her aspiration to teach following her college education, though she ultimately transitioned to working at a law firm before establishing WWE with her husband, Vince.
Organizations such as the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the U.S., and various advocacy groups focused on reinforcing Title IX protections for sexual assault victims are urging lawmakers to reject McMahon’s confirmation. Conversely, Republican senators commend her business skills and believe she is an appropriate choice to redirect American education. Chair of the health and education committee, Senator Bill Cassidy, expressed confidence in McMahon’s intentions to “return power to parents” and to initiate reforms within an Education Department he claims has deviated from its objectives.
