All4Ed Flash: Linda McMahon nominated for Secretary of Education

Hello and welcome to the All4Ed Flash, where we are cutting through the noise to bring you the latest in education policy news. I’m Enrique Chaurand.

Today, we’re diving into President-elect Trump’s pick for the next U.S. Secretary of Education: Linda McMahon. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because McMahon is best known for her role as an executive at a wrestling entertainment company.

But many are asking…..what does she bring to the table for education?

Ms. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and like Trump’s previous education secretary, Betsy DeVos, McMahon has limited experience in the U.S. school system and has never worked full-time in a K-12 school or university.

However, despite her limited educational experience, McMahon’s role at the America First Policy Institute gives us a glimpse into her educational priorities.

The think tank advocates for reducing federal oversight and slashing education funding. Trump has praised McMahon as a ‘fierce advocate’ for parents’ rights and universal school choice, aiming to expand education access beyond traditional public schools.

Critics argue that school choice diverts funds from public schools, while supporters believe it offers more educational options for families. McMahon has also shown support for vocational training and the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act, which would expand Pell Grant funding to short-term educational programs.

With Republicans controlling the Senate, McMahon’s confirmation seems likely. However, Trump’s repeated vows to shut down the Department of Education could lead to a significant political battle in Congress.

Recently, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds introduced a bill to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, promoting a policy President-elect Donald Trump backed to close the agency during his campaign. Senator Rounds said the federal agency has “grown into an oversized bureaucracy.” Rounds also criticized the size of the agency’s budget and its per-student spending given students’ dropping standardized test scores.

As McMahon steps into this pivotal role, her influence on key educational issues will be closely watched.

Stay tuned to Federal Flash for more updates on this developing story.

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