Trump names former Cabinet member Linda McMahon as next Secretary of Education  

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated business executive Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education.  

In his press statement, Trump described McMahon, who is well-known for founding and leading the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Inc. with her husband Vince McMahon, as a “fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights.” 

“Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ in every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” Trump wrote. “Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and a deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World.”  

He also reiterated his plan to send education “BACK TO THE STATES” by cutting the U.S. Department of Education.  

McMahon is known for founding and running the successful wrestling company with her husband for 30 years, before stepping down to enter politics. She ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate twice in Connecticut. 

She served as head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, has experience in education and government administration.

McMahon served on the board of Catholic university in Connecticut for 16 years, and on the Connecticut state education board, which she resigned when she launched her first Senate run in 2010.

She told Connecticut lawmakers she had a lifelong interest in education and once planned to become a teacher, but didn’t pursue it after she got married, the AP reported. Although she’s not well-known in education circles, she has expressed support for charter schools and school choice.

The business mogul also worked on Trump’s successful reelection campaign. 

The pick has been controversial among leftist groups, however, who say McMahon lacks experience in the educational sphere.  

“Donald Trump is showing that he could not care less about our students’ futures,” teachers’ union boss Becky Pringle said in a statement.  

Pringle claimed their “Project 2025” agenda would “eliminate the Department of Education, steal resources for our most vulnerable students, increase class sizes, cut job training programs, make higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle class families, take away special education services for disabled students, and put student civil rights protections at risk.” 

Pringle concluded by calling her “Betsy DeVos 2.0,” a reference to Trump’s first education secretary, and said the Senate should reject her nomination.  

But many others celebrated Trump’s selection. 

“Congratulations [Linda McMahon]!” posted Oklahoma state superintendent Ryan Walters, who was rumored to be in the running for Trump’s education secretary. “It’s time to get to work dismantling the US Department of Education. Fantastic addition to [Donald Trump’s] team!” 

Christopher Rufo, a prominent conservative activist, also lent his praise.  

“Congratulations to our next Secretary of Education,” he wrote. “We’re ready to help you shut down the Department of Education and return authority and funding to states, cities, and families. It’s going to be a fight – but we will win.”  

“Every state will have school choice soon!” added Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children.  

“Let’s put parents back in the drivers seat by supporting Linda as she works for a future where education is directed by parents and is focused on equipping students for success in the real world,” said Tiffany Justice, cofounder of Moms for Liberty.