Linda
McMahon
REPUBLICAN
North Carolina
Appointed Position:
United States Secretary of Education
Overview
Linda McMahon’s only experience in education policy is a short time served on a Connecticut Board of Education post. Shortly after her appointment, she resigned due to falsely claiming to have an education degree. In her current position, McMahon has stated that her intent is to “sunset the Department of Education” to clear the way for charter schools and for-profit institutions.
The Facts
Through the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), McMahon has allied with the charter school movement, including advocating for policies and legislation to increase their funding. Her work with the AFPI to expand charter school protections and funding was highlighted by Trump as a key reason behind her nomination as Education Secretary.
McMahon’s family foundation, the Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation, is also closely tied to Achievement First, a charter school network operating 41 K-12 schools in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island. Over the years, the McMahon Family Foundation has given at least $1.97 million to Achievement First.
In 2009, McMahon falsely claimed to have a Bachelor’s degree in education on a questionnaire for a Connecticut Board of Education post. According to a publication by her alma mater, McMahon received a Bachelor’s degree in French and a teaching certificate from East Carolina University.
Additionally, McMahon is currently being sued for allegedly enabling sexual abuse in her business over a span of decades. Her ex-husband, Vince McMahon, faces separate allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking from Janel Grant, who worked at WWE from 2019 to 2022. The current U.S Attorney handling the case is retiring, and his replacement is a Trump appointee.
How do you intend to dispose of your interests in for profit educators and charter schools?
What are your plans to implement accountability measures for for-profit charter school operators and other for-profit education entities that could receive increased public funding through her department?
Questions to Track