New Education Secretary: Linda McMahon, a former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next US Secretary of Education. Her selection has raised discussions due to her limited direct experience in the education sector.
Linda McMahon’s Educational Background
McMahon holds a bachelor’s degree in French from East Carolina University and is certified to teach the language. Despite her certification, her professional background is rooted more in business and politics than in education.
Linda McMahon’s Experience in Education
Although McMahon has limited direct experience in the field, she has been involved in educational roles, including:
- Serving on the Connecticut State Board of Education for one year in 2009.
- Spending 16 years as a board trustee at Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic institution.
President-elect Trump has emphasized these roles as part of her qualification for the position.
Political and Business Career
CEO of WWE
McMahon served as the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, where she contributed significantly to growing the organization into a global brand.
Political Ambitions
After stepping down from WWE, McMahon pursued a career in politics:
- Ran for a US Senate seat in 2010 and 2012, losing both times to Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, respectively.
- In 2017, she was appointed as the head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s presidency.
Recent Roles
- Since 2021, McMahon has chaired the Center for the American Worker at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank aligned with Trump.
- She also served as chair of the America First Action SuperPAC, supporting Trump’s political agenda.
Responsibilities as the New US Education Secretary
Linda McMahon is expected to oversee significant reforms, including the potential dissolution of the US Department of Education. President-elect Trump has repeatedly expressed intentions to terminate the agency during his campaign.
Key Challenges Ahead
As the incoming Secretary of Education, McMahon faces scrutiny over her qualifications and the task of addressing major education policy changes proposed by the administration. Her business acumen and political affiliations are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping her tenure.
