In Linda McMahon, Trump Makes Strong Pick for Education Secretary

Various polls show a majority of Americans support President-elect Donald Trump in his Cabinet picks and transition back to the White House. 

One strong choice for the Cabinet is Linda McMahon, nominated by Trump for secretary of the Department of Education. 

Although McMahon rose to prominence in the world of pro wrestling as cofounder of World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, her substantive education credentials deserve more attention in light of her nomination. 

First, she’s a self-made billionaire (no easy feat in a competitive capitalist economy) who has created thousands of jobs. She knows well the value of work, including apprenticeship-based education, which she supported in the first Trump administration’s Cabinet as head of the Small Business Administration. 

McMahon also served two years on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she was one of 15 members overseeing public education for over half a million K-12 students in the state, including its system of technical high schools. 

She also was a trustee at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, for two stints totaling over 16 years. A study last year by the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges reported that Sacred Heart contributes more than $1.6 billion a year to Connecticut’s economy. 

The study found direct spending by Sacred Heart employees, students, and visitors exceeds $998 million annually: Students spend more than $112 million and university visitors spend nearly $200,000. Other spending, called “induced spending,” accounts for another $672 million. In addition, the university is responsible for creating or retaining 12,140 jobs.

This is notable. McMahon understands the value of the university system and its contributions to the American way of life. She desires not to dismantle it but to reform it to meet its original purpose: teaching critical thinking and the understanding of American history and our nation’s unique position as leader of the free world.

Additionally, as board chair at America First Policy Institute for four years, McMahon has been a fierce advocate for parental rights, and she has worked at both AFPI and America First Works to achieve universal school choice in 12 states. 

This important effort gives children the opportunity to receive an excellent education, regardless of ZIP code or income. School choice disproportionately benefits vulnerable children, including black, Hispanic, and other non-white students abandoned by the Left as it prioritizes teachers union bullies who care more for adults in school systems than disadvantaged children who need an education.

Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children and AFC Victory Fund, the nation’s largest school choice advocacy and elections organizations, notes that McMahon’s selection as education secretary could signal “the beginning of the end of the teachers unions’ 40-year dominance in American politics.” 

I personally worked with McMahon at America First Policy Institute, the think tank founded by Trump administration veterans, serving directly under her leadership of the AFPI Center for the American Worker (a dual hat she also wore in addition to chairing the overall organization). 

I can speak to her character, vision, temperament, and managerial skills. At age 76, as a highly successful woman, she could spend her golden years flitting about yachts and private islands. Instead, she has a heart for public service. She is a gift to our country and its people. 

Trump famously has called for abolishing the Department of Education. Numerous other Republican leaders have echoed this call since the department’s creation in 1979. With McMahon at the helm, this finally could come true. 

Some federal education programs could be transferred to other agencies. For example, the Treasury Department and student civil rights cases could be managed by the Justice Department. 

But programs that simply layer red tape on public schools around the country could be abolished. Funding and power could be restored to the states, localities, and parents.   

Just like politicians promised to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem but never did—until Trump—we’ll see whether Trump can fulfill this promise as well. 

Under Linda McMahon’s steady leadership, I’d say America has a fighting chance.

Carrie Sheffield is a senior policy analyst at Independent Women’s Voice.

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