The Senate voted on Monday to confirm Linda McMahon as the new education secretary, with the decision reflecting party-line support. McMahon, a former pro-wrestling executive and a significant Republican donor, will lead an agency that the Trump administration aims to eliminate.
At 76 years old, McMahon has limited experience in education, a point that has been both criticized and defended. Supporters of her nomination argue that her lack of traditional educational background aligns with the administration's goal of dismantling the department, while critics view it as a significant shortcoming.
During her confirmation process, McMahon expressed her strong agreement with President Trump's mission to abolish the Education Department, claiming that a majority of Americans shared this view. However, recent polling indicates substantial public opposition to this initiative, with nearly two-thirds of Americans and 63 percent of North Carolinians opposing the elimination of the agency.
The Education Department has been a focal point in the administration's broader government overhaul, led by Elon Musk. Reports indicate that over 60 employees have been suspended as part of a purge of diversity initiatives, and discussions have taken place regarding an executive order that could effectively shut down the department.
On Friday, employees were offered a one-time incentive of up to $25,000 to retire or resign, as the department prepares for what has been described as a significant reduction in force.
Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and ranking Democrat on the Senate Education Committee, emphasized the importance of the department in providing essential resources to children in high-poverty districts and those with disabilities, advocating for strengthening rather than dismantling the agency.
While McMahon holds a teaching certificate, she has never taught. She has served on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University for 16 years and briefly on the Connecticut Board of Education, despite concerns regarding her qualifications due to her background in the wrestling industry.
Her nomination has raised questions about her ability to manage the implications of the Trump administration's agenda on education. Trump has previously described the Education Department as a "big con job" and expressed a desire to close it immediately. The administration has also terminated numerous contracts at the agency, significantly impacting its operations.
At her confirmation hearing, McMahon suggested that while the department would be "reoriented," key programs like Title I funding and Pell grants would remain intact. She acknowledged that abolishing the department would require congressional action, highlighting its establishment in 1979 to ensure equal access to education and improve educational quality.
Prior to her confirmation, McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump's first term and later ran a super PAC that supported Trump's 2020 campaign, contributing significantly to his electoral efforts.