Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee today for her confirmation hearing as Secretary of Education. McMahon was joined by her daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Paul ‘Triple’ Levesque at the proceedings at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Levesque was seated directly behind the nominee while Stephanie was to the right of her husband. Linda’s son Shane was also present alongside his wife Marissa.
McMahon’s hearing comes at a pivotal moment for the Department of Education, as President Trump has openly declared his intention to eliminate the agency. Trump, who McMahon worked for during his first presidency, has referred to the department as a “big con job.” Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has already reduced the department’s funding by nearly $1 billion, raising questions about McMahon’s potential role in leading an agency marked for dissolution.
McMahon brings significant business acumen from her tenure transforming WWE into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise though has little background in education. Though McMahon previously served for one year on Connecticut’s State Board of Education, her departure came with controversy. After her exit, it was revealed that she had misled the board when applying, claiming she had a Bachelors degree in Education. Her degree is actually in Frnech.
This confirmation process represents a crucial juncture for federal education policy as McMahon may be tasked with overseeing major structural changes. With McMahon dedicating her loyalty to Trump/Musk’s plot to abolish the department, her time leading the DOE may be a short one if confirmed.