President-Elect Donald Trump nominated Sacred Heart Board of Trustee member Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education.
McMahon previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in Trump’s first term until 2019. She also served just over a year on the Connecticut State Board of Education before resigning in 2010 to run for a Senate seat. For the past four years, she also served as the Chair of the Board at the America First Policy Institute and is currently the Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team, according to Trump’s Truth Social announcement of the nomination.
President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Linda McMahon, right, head of the Small Business
Administration, on stage at the Harris Conference Center in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Aug. 31, 2018.
“As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” Trump’s statement said. “Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World.”
Trump’s education plan, which McMahon would be tasked to carry out if approved by the Senate, includes eliminating perceived “wokeness” and “left-wing indoctrination” in schools, according to the Associated Press. This includes classroom lessons on gender identity and structural racism, diversity and inclusion offices, and keeping transgender athletes out of girls’ sports, AP reported.
One of Trump’s key campaign pledges was that he would reduce or eliminate the federal Department of Education, the New York Times reported, which Trump mentioned in the nomination announcement, saying education will be sent “back to the states.” McMahon cannot carry this promise out on her own, as Congress has to approve this notion.
Congress introduced a bill to abolish the Department of Education on Nov. 21, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota.
Sacred Heart University noted McMahon’s continued efforts for the university. “Linda McMahon has long been a supporter of Sacred Heart University and a member of its Board of Trustees. She most recently served as the board’s treasurer,” the university said. “Linda has always taken an interest in the students—inviting guest speakers, speaking to them and attending programs. The student commons is named the Linda E. McMahon Commons for her, and the dining hall inside is called Linda’s.”
President Dr. John J. Petillo also personally commented on McMahon’s nomination.
“Linda’s generosity to Sacred Heart over the years has been tremendous. She cares deeply about our students and understands our mission. We are grateful for her friendship,” said Petillo. “We are confident that Linda’s leadership will bring enormous value to the education system, just as it has to Sacred Heart University.”
In the wake of this nomination, there has been criticism, not only for McMahon’s “lack of experience” compared to those who previously held the position, according to the New York Times, but also for a lawsuit that McMahon is currently facing.
Filed on Oct. 23, 2024, five “John Does” who were former “ring boys” for World Wrestling Entertainment (W.W.E.), charged the W.W.E., Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. for their grooming and sexual abuse on the company’s watch.
The Spectrum Newspaper reviewed the 82-page filing. It cites inappropriate, and sometimes graphic, interactions between Melvin Phillips, Jr., a prominent ringside announcer and ring crew chief from the 1970s to the early 1990s, and underage “ring boys.”
Linda and her husband, Vince, from whom she is now separated, the W.W.E. and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. are being accused of two causes of action: negligence against all defendants and negligent hiring, training and retention against all defendants.
The Plaintiffs are demanding judgment in their favor and an amount of $30,000 in excess for the damages that resulted from their sexual harassment and abuse, a trial by jury, an award of their attorneys’ fees and costs in the prosecution, and any and all other relief that the court deems just and equitable.
These allegations, specifically regarding the mistreatment of underage workers, and the history of the mistreatment of W.W.E. employees have raised concerns for McMahon’s nomination. According to the New York Times, in her potential role, “she would oversee the department’s Office of Civil Rights, which enforces laws such as Title IX that protect students from sex discrimination and sexual harassment.”
Linda’s attorney, Laura Brevetti, denied the allegations in a statement to CNN.
“This civil lawsuit based upon thirty-plus year-old allegations is filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations regarding Linda McMahon,” Brevetti said to CNN. “Ms. McMahon will vigorously defend against this baseless lawsuit and without doubt ultimately succeed.”
In a request for comment, Sacred Heart University expressed that it does not comment on ongoing allegations.
The Senate has yet to approve Linda McMahon’s nomination, though CNN reported that defeat by vote is very rare, especially with a Republican-dominated Congress. Most nominees are generally not confirmed until the president-elect takes office on Inauguration Day, which is Jan. 20, 2025.
