Overview:
McMahon has been an ardent support of Donald Trump from his first administration.
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly selected Linda McMahon as the next U.S. Secretary of Education, which could significantly shift the nation’s education policy. During his campaign, Trump has signaled plans to eliminate the Department of Education, making McMahon potentially its last leader.
“For the past four years, as the Chair of the Board at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Linda has been a fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights, working hard at both AFPI and America First Works (AFW) to achieve Universal School Choice in 12 States, giving children the opportunity to receive an excellent education, regardless of zip code or income,” Trump said in a statement.
The decision comes as McMahon, a prominent figure in Trump’s orbit, was previously considered for Secretary of Commerce—a role ultimately given to Howard Lutnick.
The Department of Education oversees programs serving over 50 million K-12 students and provides financial aid to more than 12 million college students annually. Its mission remains centered on promoting access, equity, and excellence in education.
Who Is Linda McMahon?
McMahon is a well-known Republican figure and a close Trump ally. She served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2017 to 2019 during Trump’s first term. After leaving her SBA role, she led the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action. She served as board chair of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded by Trump loyalists following his 2020 election loss.
McMahon, a major GOP donor, contributed over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs during his initial presidential campaign.
Linda McMahon: Educational Background
Born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina, McMahon graduated from Havelock High School. According to school records, she earned her bachelor’s degree in French from East Carolina University in 1969.
Linda McMahon: From WWE to Washington
Before entering politics, McMahon was known for her role in co-founding World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) alongside her husband, Vince McMahon. She served as CEO of the entertainment empire until stepping down in 2009 to run an unsuccessful for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut as a Republican candidate in 2010 and 2012.
Background for Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education, established in 1867, was originally tasked with collecting data to help states build effective school systems. Over time, its responsibilities expanded to include administering land-grant colleges (1890), supporting vocational education (1917, 1946), and providing federal aid for education during World War II and the Cold War. Key legislation, such as the GI Bill (1944) and the National Defense Education Act (1958), bolstered higher education and STEM fields.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Department gained a civil rights focus, enforcing laws like Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 to prevent discrimination and improve access to education. Programs like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965) and the Higher Education Act (1965) expanded federal aid to disadvantaged and postsecondary students.
Elevated to a Cabinet-level agency in 1980, the Department now oversees programs serving over 50 million K-12 students and provides financial aid to more than 12 million college students annually. Its mission remains centered on promoting access, equity, and excellence in education.
What’s Next for the Department of Education?
Trump’s pledge to dismantle the Department of Education is expected to face significant political and legal hurdles. Critics argue the move could undermine federal oversight of key education programs, including funding for low-income students and protections for students with disabilities.
As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, McMahon’s record in business and politics—and her vision for education in America—will likely come under intense scrutiny.