Into the ring: Trump education chief pick McMahon to testify on cutting ‘red tape’ amid DOGE sweeps

Linda McMahon Set to Testify Before Senate for Education Secretary Nomination

Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, is set to testify before the Senate on Thursday in a highly anticipated confirmation hearing. McMahon, who was tapped by Trump in November, will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to kick off her confirmation process. Republican Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Katie Britt of Alabama will introduce her during the hearing, signaling bipartisan support for her nomination. McMahon’s opening remarks, shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, will focus on advancing Trump’s vision for education, emphasizing that "education is the issue that determines our national success and prepares American workers to win the future."

In her prepared statement, McMahon expressed gratitude to Trump for the opportunity to lead a department that was a cornerstone of his campaign. She highlighted his pledge to make American education the best in the world, return control of education to the states, and empower students and families through school choice. McMahon’s nomination comes as Trump has repeatedly criticized the federal education system, calling it a "big con job" and stating that he wants to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. Just hours before McMahon’s hearing, Trump reiterated his stance, saying, "We’re ranked No. 40 in the world, but we’re ranked No. 1 in cost per pupil. We spend more per pupil than any other country, but our results are far from acceptable."

McMahon’s Vision for Education Reform

McMahon, who previously served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, plans to leverage her diverse experience as a business leader, public servant, and college trustee to prioritize "parents, teachers, and students" over bureaucracy. In her remarks, she will acknowledge the frustration of teachers and parents with what she describes as "political ideology in the curriculum" and "red tape" from Washington, D.C. She will position school choice as a solution to these issues, offering families alternatives to a system she argues is overly micromanaged by the federal government.

McMahon will also address two contentious issues: antisemitism in schools and the participation of biological males in women’s and girls’ sports. She has pledged to take a strong stance against discrimination, stating, "If I am confirmed, the department will not stand idly by while Jewish students are attacked and discriminated against." Additionally, she vows to "stop forcing schools to let boys and men into female sports and spaces," aligning with Trump’s position on these matters. McMahon will also emphasize the importance of protecting parents’ rights to direct the moral education of their children, a theme that has resonated with conservative voters.

McMahon’s Background and Qualifications

Before her nomination, McMahon co-founded WWE with her husband in 1980, transforming it into a global entertainment powerhouse. She also served on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she oversaw public education in the state, including its technical high school system. Her experience as a business leader and public servant has prepared her, she argues, to tackle the challenges facing the education system. In her opening remarks, she will acknowledge that "many Americans today are experiencing a system in decline," but she will also express optimism about the opportunity to create "a better future for every American learner" over the next four years.

The Confirmation Process and What Comes Next

After McMahon’s testimony, the Senate HELP Committee will schedule a vote on whether to advance her nomination to a full Senate vote. While the confirmation process is expected to be contentious, given the divisive nature of education policy and Trump’s polarizing stance on the issue, McMahon’s nomination has garnered support from key Republican senators. If confirmed, she will take the reins of a department that Trump has openly criticized and expressed a desire to dismantle. Despite this, McMahon has signaled her commitment to Trump’s vision, promising to "fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families."

A Pivotal Moment for American Education

As McMahon prepares to testify, her nomination represents a pivotal moment in the debate over the future of American education. With her focus on school choice, state-level control, and addressing contentious issues like antisemitism and sports participation, her leadership could significantly reshape the education landscape. While critics argue that her approach may undermine public education and exacerbate inequalities, supporters see her as a champion of parental rights and educational freedom. Regardless of the outcome, McMahon’s hearing marks the beginning of a critical conversation about how to address the challenges facing American schools and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.