Months after being announced as President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Education, Linda McMahon finds herself on the hot seat at Capitol Hill. On Thursday, she faced intense questioning from senators regarding the future of the agency, which President Trump has vowed to dismantle.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee is conducting a hearing to scrutinize McMahon, a businesswoman with close ties to Trump who lacks teaching experience. President Trump has repeatedly criticized the Department of Education, labeling it a "con job" and blaming it for damaging education. He is expected to sign an executive order directing McMahon to propose reducing the department's size, with the ultimate goal of eliminating it, despite the fact that such an action would require an act of Congress.
Democratic senators have expressed concerns about the nomination of the 76-year-old McMahon, citing her lack of experience in public education. During her opening statement, McMahon was interrupted by protesters as she defended her nomination and advocated for increased school choice.
At a recent executive order signing event, President Trump urged McMahon to "put herself out of a job." Despite this, she acknowledged that only Congress holds the power to abolish the Department of Education. Experts agree that dismantling the agency without congressional authorization would be illegal, requiring 60 Senate votes in favor.
HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy and ranking member Sen. Bernie Sanders pressed McMahon on whether she believed the agency could be dismantled without congressional approval. McMahon affirmed that it could not be done without Congress, stating, "The Department of Education is set up by the United States Congress, and we work with Congress. It clearly cannot be shut down without it."
Linda McMahon co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and served as its president and CEO. President Trump selected her for her advocacy for parental rights and school choice, describing her as a fierce leader with a deep understanding of both education and business.
McMahon's personal financial wealth is reportedly substantial, potentially surpassing $1 billion. She previously worked as head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the first Trump administration and has been a long-time donor to pro-Trump causes. McMahon has advocated for apprenticeship programs, workforce training, and school choice, although she is not currently an educator.
McMahon's tenure as a wrestling executive has come under scrutiny due to alleged scandals. A 2024 lawsuit brought by five plaintiffs accused her and her husband, Vince McMahon, of ignoring sexual abuse within WWE. If confirmed, McMahon would oversee sexual misconduct investigations within education programs. The McMahons have denied the allegations, with McMahon's attorney calling the lawsuit baseless.
While McMahon's supporters view her as a potential agent of change for the Department of Education, critics worry that abolishing the agency could negatively impact millions of students who rely on its critical programs, such as Title I funding for low-income communities.
