Linda McMahon's Nomination for Education Secretary Advances to Senate Vote

The former WWE executive and Trump ally moves closer to leading a department the president aims to dismantle.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance Linda McMahon's nomination as education secretary to the full Senate.
McMahon, a former WWE CEO and Small Business Administration leader, has limited education experience but previously served on Connecticut's board of education and as a university trustee.
At her confirmation hearing, McMahon pledged to preserve federal funding for Title I schools, Pell grants, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness while supporting cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
President Trump has expressed his desire to shut down the Department of Education, with McMahon tasked with potentially overseeing its reorganization or closure, though this requires congressional approval.
Democrats raised concerns about McMahon’s stance on DEI programs and civil rights enforcement, while Republicans praised her business acumen and commitment to state and local control over education.