President Donald Trump appointed Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. This choice signals a big change in U.S. education policy. It emphasises school choice and aims to decentralise federal control.
Linda McMahon’s background and appointment.
On 3 March 2025, the President named Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE, as Secretary of Education. The Senate voted 51–45 for her appointment. She was the head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. Her nomination came from her support for parental rights and school choice. This aligns with Trump’s education agenda. McMahon is collaborating with the America First Policy Institute and America First Works. They aim to promote universal school choice in several states.
National School Choice Initiative
Central to McMahon’s agenda is the expansion of school choice nationwide. “This allows government money to help pay for private and religious school costs through vouchers and tax breaks.” Supporters say these measures help parents and offer choices to failing public schools. Critics argue that moving funds from public schools to private schools might hurt public education.
Efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.
On 20 March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order. This order tells McMahon to start dismantling the Department of Education. It shows a wider trend of state control over education. The plan includes moving student financial aid duties to the Small Business Administration. The Department of Health and Human Services will take over special education programmes. Abolishing the department requires Congress’s complete approval. Still, these steps show a major cut in federal involvement in education.
Controversies and legal challenges
McMahon’s tenure has not been without controversy. Her policies have led to legal challenges. Parents have filed a lawsuit. Some argue that staff cuts and changes in the Department of Education weaken civil rights investigations. This is especially true for cases involving LGBTQ+ students. McMahon is clashing with schools like Harvard over federal funding and academic freedom. This situation is attracting national attention.
Looking Ahead
McMahon is sharing her vision for education in the U.S. The whole country is watching with great interest. The push for school choice and less federal control shows a big change in how we run education. These policies are set to change education for years to come. They will impact students, educators, and institutions all across the nation.