The elected president of the United States, Donald Trumpassigned Tuesday to Linda McMahonco-founder and former director of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as holder of the Department of Education.
“We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will lead that effort,” Trump said in a statement in which he described McMahon as a “fierce advocate for parental rights.”
McMahon is co-chair of Trump’s transition team ahead of his return to the White House in January. Its task is to fill about 4 thousand positions in the government.
As for McMahon’s experience in education, he has two years on the Connecticut Board of Education and 16 years on the board of trustees of Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic school.
From wrestling to politics
Linda McMahon left WWE, an entertainment company focused on professional wrestling, in 2009 to run for the United States Senate. Additionally, she has been one of Trump’s top donors.
During the election campaign, Donald Trump promised to end the federal Department of Education when he returns to the White House.
“I say it all the time. I’m dying to come back to do this. We will end up eliminating the federal Department of Education,” he said in September during a rally in Wisconsin.
McMahon’s ties to Trump date back to her years in the professional wrestling industry; she said she first met him as WWE CEO.
In nominating her, Trump highlighted her experience in business, helping to grow WWE.
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How does Linda McMahon plan to integrate technology into the public education system?
Title: Interview with Education Innovator: Linda McMahon’s Vision for the Department of Education
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Linda McMahon, co-founder and former director of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), who has recently been appointed as the Secretary of Education by President Donald Trump. Thank you for joining us, Linda.
Linda McMahon: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Linda, your appointment as Secretary of Education came as a surprise to many. As someone with a background in professional wrestling and entertainment, what unique perspectives do you think you bring to the education sector?
Linda McMahon: I believe my experience in WWE has taught me a lot about creativity, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Education is much the same; it’s about connecting with students, engaging them, and helping them find their own paths. The skills I’ve honed in building a global brand can be applied to reforming and revitalizing the educational system.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting perspective! What are some of your immediate priorities for the Department of Education?
Linda McMahon: My immediate focus will be on enhancing career and technical education. With the rapid changes in our economy, students need more than just traditional degrees. We need to equip them with practical skills that ensure they’re job-ready. Additionally, I want to develop partnerships between educational institutions and businesses to create apprenticeship programs, bridging the gap between education and employment.
Interviewer: That sounds promising! In light of recent discussions around educational equity, how do you plan to address disparities in access to quality education across different communities?
Linda McMahon: Equity in education is crucial. Every child deserves access to quality resources, regardless of their background. I plan to advocate for policies that direct funding to underprivileged schools and expand programs that support marginalized communities. We need to listen to the needs of parents and teachers in these areas to ensure our policies truly help.
Interviewer: Given your background in a highly competitive industry, how will you foster a culture of innovation within the public education system?
Linda McMahon: Innovation thrives in environments where people feel empowered to take risks. I want to promote a culture where educators are encouraged to think outside the box and explore new teaching methods. Additionally, I believe we should leverage technology in the classroom—not just for learning but also for administrative efficiencies, so teachers can focus more on their students.
Interviewer: Collaboration is key in any industry. How do you plan to work with other stakeholders, such as teachers’ unions and educational organizations, to achieve your goals?
Linda McMahon: Collaboration is absolutely essential. I intend to create open lines of communication with teachers’ unions, educational organizations, and parents. By engaging with these groups, we can foster a collaborative environment that champions best practices and addresses challenges together. It’s about building trust and working towards a common goal: what’s best for our students.
Interviewer: Lastly, Linda, what is your vision for the future of the Department of Education under your leadership?
Linda McMahon: My vision is to create a dynamic education system that adapts to the needs of our students and prepares them for the future. I want our schools to be places of inspiration where students not only learn but also thrive and innovate. Education should empower every student to chase their dreams and succeed, no matter their starting point.
Interviewer: Linda, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today. We look forward to seeing how your vision unfolds in the Department of Education!
Linda McMahon: Thank you! I’m excited about this journey and the opportunity to make a positive impact on our education system.