In the eyes of the US President-elect, Linda McMahon did an ”unbelievable” job as co-chair of the power transition team, a position she was appointed to in August after donating $814,000 to Trump’s 2024 campaign in July. Unsurprisingly and similarly, billionaire and transition team chairman Howard Lutnick was chosen for the position of Commerce Secretary on Monday.
Linda McMahon returns to the White House to take over the Education portfolio, after leading the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019, during the first Republican term. The American businesswoman is an important financier of the Republican Party, having financially supported the candidacy of Donald Trump since 2016, first in the primaries and then in the race for the White House with six million dollars.
Not only was McMahon the chairman of America First Action, a super political action committee (PAC) that supported Trump’s re-election in 2020, where he raised $83 million despite losing to Democrat Joe Biden. As it also helped to get the think-thank you America First Policy Institute, based in Washington DC, to continue to defend Trump’s agenda and pave the way for a possible return to the White House.
Do wrestling for politics
Linda McMahon is married to Vince McMahon, his heir World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), an American professional wrestling empire founded in the 1950s, of which Linda became president in 1993 and executive director in 1997, a position she held until 2009 when she retired to enter politics.
So for the second time and for a significant role in the Trump Administration in which he is fully recognized for his experience on the Connecticut Board of Education since 2009 and on the Board of Directors of Sacred Heart University, in Connecticut, The professional wrestling manager who made teaching an early career goal is returning to the White House to carry out President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda.who promised to close the Department of Education in order to return much of its powers to the States.
w/agencies
What are the implications of educational freedom on public schools and equity in education?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Education Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.News, where we dive into the most pressing issues shaping our world today. Joining us is Dr. Emily Johnson, an expert in education policy and reform. Dr. Johnson, thank you for being here.
Dr. Emily Johnson (EJ): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s jump right in. Recently, President-elect Donald Trump announced Linda McMahon as the new Secretary of Education. He emphasized that her role will focus on “bringing more educational freedom” to families. What are your thoughts on this approach?
EJ: It’s a polarizing approach, to say the least. The notion of educational freedom often translates to school choice options like charter schools and vouchers. While advocates argue that it empowers parents, critics contend it may divert funds from public schools, exacerbating existing inequalities.
TNE: That’s a compelling point. President Trump also referenced the need to return education decisions back to the states. How might this state-level control play out in terms of educational content and policies, especially concerning divisive issues like gender and racial equity?
EJ: State-level control can lead to a patchwork of educational standards across the country. In some states, you may see more progressive policies that embrace diversity and inclusion, while others might adopt restrictive measures that overlook the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. This could deepen the educational divide.
TNE: Interesting. Trump praised McMahon’s previous work as co-chair of his transition team. Some have raised concerns about campaign donations influencing political appointments. In your experience, how significant is this financial backing in determining educational leadership roles?
EJ: Financial backing can certainly play a role in how candidates are appointed. It raises questions about priorities and accountability. If leaders have strong ties to certain financial backers, they may feel pressure to align policies with those donors’ interests, which can influence educational outcomes.
TNE: McMahon has a history with the Small Business Administration and has been a solid supporter of Trump since 2016. Do you think her business background will influence her policies as Secretary of Education?
EJ: Absolutely. McMahon’s business perspective may lead to an emphasis on performance metrics and outcomes, viewing education through an economic lens. However, it’s essential to balance business interests with the ethical need to provide quality, equitable education for all students.
TNE: As we look forward, what do you believe will be the key challenges for McMahon as she steps into this role?
EJ: One of the most significant challenges will be navigating the political landscape and appeasing differing viewpoints within the Republican party and beyond. Additionally, addressing concerns regarding equity and access to education amid increasing polarization will require thoughtful leadership.
TNE: These are indeed pressing challenges. what’s your message to educators and parents in light of these upcoming changes?
EJ: I would encourage educators and parents to remain engaged and informed about state-level policies and advocate for their interests. Building coalitions and communicating with local representatives can help ensure that every child has access to a fair and comprehensive education, no matter where they live.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for your valuable insights today. It’s clear that the upcoming administration will bring both opportunities and challenges in the realm of education.
EJ: Thank you for having me! It’s an important conversation that we need to keep having as we navigate these changes.