Trump Taps Linda McMahon for Education Department, Eyes Sweeping Overhaul
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the Department of Education—a bold move aligned with his campaign’s disruptive vision. McMahon’s business acumen and alignment with Trump’s policies signal potential sweeping changes in federal education policy. Throughout his campaign, Trump disparaged the department as infiltrated by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists,” even calling for its complete dismantling—a challenging task requiring congressional approval.
The Department of Education plays a pivotal financial role, annually distributing billions to schools and managing the $1.5 trillion student loan portfolio. Trump’s vision includes cutting funding for schools promoting “critical race theory” and “transgender insanity” while incentivizing states to eliminate teacher tenure and adopt universal school choice programs.
Essential Education Department Functions Under Trump’s Lens
Student Loans and Financial Aid
The department oversees vital financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and the FAFSA system, benefiting over 40 million borrowers. Under President Biden, the department emphasized loan forgiveness, canceling over $175 billion in student loans for millions of borrowers, despite Republican opposition.
Trump has criticized Biden’s efforts, labeling loan forgiveness a “total catastrophe.” While his administration’s specific plans remain unclear, a reduction in federal loan forgiveness programs could significantly affect borrowers and reshape higher education financing.
Civil Rights Enforcement
The Office for Civil Rights ensures educational institutions comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. Trump has proposed refocusing its mission to target “explicit unlawful discrimination” while excluding transgender students from Title IX protections. His approach could reverse Biden-era expansions of Title IX to cover gender identity and sexual orientation, directly affecting policies on pronouns, bathroom access, and inclusion initiatives.
College Accreditation
Federal funding hinges on accreditation, a process overseen by the Education Department. Trump has vowed to eliminate “radical left accreditors” and replace them with agencies promoting “American tradition.” His administration may encourage accreditors to reject diversity initiatives, drawing resistance from higher education institutions.
Federal Money for Schools
Federal funding constitutes about 14% of public school budgets and supports programs for low-income and disabled students. Trump has proposed devolving these responsibilities to the states. Conservative blueprints, such as the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, suggest transferring oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services and eventually converting funds into unrestricted state grants. Critics warn this could erode critical protections and services for vulnerable students.
Challenges Ahead
Dismantling or drastically overhauling the Department of Education would require significant legislative action and face robust opposition. Critics argue Trump’s proposals risk disrupting essential services and exacerbating inequities in education, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
As Linda McMahon prepares to take the helm, Trump’s administration signals a dramatic shift in federal education priorities. Whether these plans can navigate the legislative and political hurdles ahead remains uncertain, but their impact on America’s schools and students could be profound.