Trump selects Linda McMahon for Education secretary
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Linda McMahon speaks during the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President-elect Trump on Tuesday selected transition co-chair Linda McMahon to serve as the secretary of the Department of Education.
Why it matters: Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to dismantle the Department of Education. McMahon, the former Small Business Administration director, will be secretary during what could be turbulent times for the department.
- Shutting down the Department of Education requires congressional approval and with Republicans holding a narrow majority in the Senate, Trump's bid faces a narrow path forward.
- But during his four years in office, he could try to put pressure on lawmakers to try to shutter the department.
Driving the news: "Linda has been a fierce advocate for Parents' Rights, working hard at both AFPI [America First Policy Institute] and America First Works (AFW) to achieve Universal School Choice in 12 States, giving children the opportunity to receive an excellent Education, regardless of zip code or income," Trump said in a statement.
- "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," added Trump, of the former World Wrestling Entertainment executive.
- "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. We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort."
Between the lines: Trump has been a supporter of school choice, which allows taxpayer money to be used for schooling options outside of traditional public schools, regardless of income.
- It's a controversial issue, with some critics wanting to keep taxpayer money strictly going to public schools, but it's a concept that has increased in popularity in recent years.
Zoom out: Trump on Tuesday selected McMahon's transition co-chair Howard Lutnick to serve as Commerce secretary, a position that McMahon had wanted for herself, per multiple reports.
- Lutnick, for his part, wanted to be named Treasury secretary, but Trump soured on the finalists and is considering other options for the high-profile job, transition sources tell Axios' Mike Allen and Courtenay Brown.
Go deeper: What happens if Trump eliminates the Department of Education
Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details on school choice and further context.
