Article Summary –
President-elect Trump nominated Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, as Secretary of Education. Though inexperienced in education, McMahon supports charter schools and private vouchers. Critics argue this undermines public education. Her potential task includes closing the Education Department.
Linda McMahon Nominated as Education Secretary, Eyes School Choice
The president-elect has nominated Linda McMahon, former WWE chief, to serve as secretary of the Department of Education.
After two failed US Senate campaigns in Connecticut and contributing $6 million to Trump’s 2016 campaign, McMahon led the Small Business Administration and chaired a super PAC supporting Trump’s 2020 run. Following Trump’s loss, she helped launch the America First Policy Institute.
McMahon is relatively unknown in education, although she was on Connecticut’s Board of Education for a year and the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She faced scrutiny after falsely claiming an education degree. Despite this, Trump stated McMahon will advocate for charter schools and private school vouchers, using tax dollars for private school tuition. Critics argue vouchers lack accountability and exclude students with disabilities.
If confirmed, McMahon might oversee dismantling the Department of Education, as Trump vowed to close it.
Education advocates oppose McMahon’s nomination, citing her lack of experience and goal to privatize public schools. NEA President Becky Pringle stated McMahon’s focus is on undermining public education. She compared McMahon to Betsy DeVos, highlighting their shared lack of qualifications. Pringle emphasized public rejection of vouchers, like in Colorado and Nevada. “The Senate must reject this unqualified nominee,” Pringle urged.
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