Abdelrahman
Linda McMahon’s Confirmation Hearing as Education Secretary
Linda McMahon, nominee for Education Secretary under President Trump, at the Russell Senate Office Building in December.
Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
As we monitor the confirmation hearings for the incoming Trump administration, you can explore our extensive politics coverage on NPR. Stay updated by subscribing to NPR’s Politics newsletter or tuning into the Trump’s Terms podcast.
Background on Linda McMahon
- Position: Nominated as Secretary of Education.
- Notable Achievement: McMahon is best recognized for her role in transforming World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Additionally, she served as the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration for about two years during President Trump’s first term.
Key Details About McMahon:
- Experience: McMahon’s formal education expertise is somewhat limited, having briefly served on Connecticut’s State Board of Education.
- Policy Views: Recently, she articulated her education policies, advocating for the expansion of school choice and enhancing career and technical education opportunities for students.
- Corporate Background: She held prominent positions within WWE for nearly three decades, including CEO.
- Department Reforms: If confirmed, McMahon would lead an agency that President Trump has signaled intentions to reduce significantly.
McMahon’s Upcoming Confirmation Hearing
Catch the confirmation hearing for Linda McMahon before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.
Role of the Education Secretary
The Secretary of Education oversees the Department of Education, one of the more compact federal agencies. Responsibilities include ensuring the civil rights of students with disabilities, managing federal student loans, and overseeing funding distribution to schools serving low-income communities. For a deeper understanding of the Department’s functions, click here.
Expectations for McMahon’s Hearing
Given recent activities from the Trump administration, including substantial cuts to the Department’s independent research department and intentions to close various unprotected programs, there will likely be scrutiny on how McMahon plans to navigate these changes. The hearing may also address her approach to improving K-12 academic performance and enhancing school choice initiatives.
For More Information
To keep up with the developments surrounding the new administration, follow NPR’s coverage through the Trump’s Terms podcast for in-depth insights and discussions.
Feel free to reach out for additional details or queries!
