President-elect Trump has long championed dismantling federal control over education, advocating for a decentralized system where states have greater authority. In a recent interview, he emphasized the benefits of local governance, predicting significant improvement in educational outcomes for most states.
“If you moved education back to the 50 [states], you’ll have some that won’t do well … But they’ll actually be forced to do better because it’ll be a pretty bad situation,” Trump said during an X Spaces conversation with Elon Musk in August.
He added, “I’ll bet you’d have 30, 35 states [where education] will be much better. And you know what? It’ll cost less than half what it is in Washington.”
McMahon’s nomination aligns with this vision, making her a natural fit for leading these reforms.
Linda McMahon’s career spans more than her role as the co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Her leadership experience includes serving as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019, where she focused on streamlining resources for small businesses and fostering economic growth.
In addition to her business credentials, McMahon has a notable background in education policy. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she oversaw public education initiatives and technical high school programs. For over 16 years, she was also a trustee at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, contributing to higher education governance.
Her recent work as Chair of the Board at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and America First Works (AFW) highlights her commitment to expanding school choice. Under her leadership, universal school choice initiatives were implemented in 12 states, giving families greater control over their children’s education.
In his official statement, Trump praised McMahon as a tireless defender of parental rights and school choice.
“It is my great honor to announce that Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, will be the United States Secretary of Education,” Trump said.
He highlighted her leadership roles and experience in both business and education:
“For the past four years, as the Chair of the Board at the America First Policy Institute, Linda has been a fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights, working hard … to achieve Universal School Choice in 12 States, giving children the opportunity to receive an excellent Education, regardless of zip code or income.”
Trump emphasized that McMahon will lead the charge in returning control of education to state governments, ensuring parents have the power to make the best decisions for their children.
“Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” he added.
McMahon’s nomination comes at a time when debates over education policy have reached a boiling point. Trump’s administration has pledged to prioritize parental involvement, school choice, and the decentralization of federal education policies.
Her appointment signals a renewed effort to dismantle what Trump and his allies see as bloated federal bureaucracy. The Department of Education has been a frequent target of criticism from Trump, who believes its dissolution could streamline costs and improve efficiency.
As McMahon prepares to take the helm, her leadership will likely focus on achieving universal school choice, empowering states, and redefining the federal government’s role in education.
McMahon’s nomination has drawn a mix of reactions. Supporters hail her as a transformative leader with a proven track record, while critics question her nontraditional background in the wrestling entertainment industry.
However, McMahon’s advocates argue that her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowering parents make her uniquely qualified for the role.
As Secretary of Education, McMahon faces the challenge of implementing Trump’s ambitious agenda while navigating opposition from those resistant to sweeping reforms. Her track record in business and education suggests she may be up to the task.
For Trump, McMahon’s appointment reflects his broader strategy: bringing nontraditional leaders into government to disrupt the status quo and prioritize innovation.
If confirmed, McMahon’s leadership could fundamentally reshape American education, placing power in the hands of parents and state governments—a legacy Trump hopes will endure long after his term.
McMahon’s nomination represents more than a political appointment—it’s a statement of intent from the Trump administration. With school choice and parental rights at the forefront, the stage is set for a seismic shift in how education is governed in the United States.
