The Senate is set to vote on Monday to confirm former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as the nation's education chief. If confirmed, McMahon would be tasked with leading a department that President Donald Trump has criticized and expressed intentions to dismantle.
McMahon, a billionaire and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, is seen as an unconventional choice for the role. While she has limited experience in traditional education leadership, her supporters believe her background as a skilled executive will bring much-needed reform to the Education Department.
During her confirmation hearing, McMahon emphasized her goal to make the department operate more efficiently rather than defund programs. She assured that essential programs such as Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell grants for college students, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program would be preserved.
However, concerns have been raised by opponents who question McMahon's qualifications and fear that her proposed budget cuts could have negative impacts on students nationwide.
President Trump has been vocal about his desire to downsize the Education Department and delegate more authority to states. His administration has already initiated significant changes within the department, including cutting contracts deemed wasteful and dismissing employees.
Despite the administration's efforts to overhaul the department, McMahon has pledged to abide by Congress's directives and ensure that federal funds are allocated as mandated.
If confirmed, McMahon would face the challenge of balancing Trump's agenda with the responsibilities of leading the Education Department during a time of significant change and uncertainty in the realm of education policy.
