The Senate confirmed Linda McMahon as the 13th Secretary of Education under President Donald Trump, reinforcing the administration’s effort to reduce federal school oversight.
McMahon secured confirmation in a 51-45 party-line vote, an easier process than her predecessor, Betsy DeVos, who required Vice President Mike Pence’s tie-breaking vote during Trump’s first term.
A former head of the Small Business Administration, McMahon brings a business-focused leadership style to the Department of Education.
While she lacks a traditional education background, she served on Connecticut’s state school board and as a trustee at Sacred Heart University.
She also co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment, helping grow the company into a global enterprise before joining Trump’s administration in 2017.
McMahon has pledged to reduce federal involvement in education, arguing that state and local governments should have more control over schools.
She has backed cutting the department’s budget, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, expanding school choice, and aligning with the administration’s broader goal of reducing bureaucracy.
McMahon’s confirmation comes as Texas legislators have proposed dismantling the Texas Education Agency, shifting its responsibilities to the State Board of Education and the comptroller’s office.
The plan would eliminate the state’s public school accountability and assessment system. This move mirrors McMahon’s and Trump’s vision of limiting centralized education oversight, as previously reported by Dallas Express.
The Texas Senate also approved a $1 billion Education Savings Account program, allowing families to use state funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses.
The initiative, which has faced opposition from teachers’ unions and Democrats, aligns with McMahon’s support for parental choice in education.
Lawmakers also unanimously passed a Teacher Bill of Rights, securing nearly $5 billion in teacher pay raises and incentives.
While critics argue these reforms divert public school funding, supporters say they reward educators while giving families more flexibility in their children’s education.
Texas’ legislative efforts reflect a growing movement among Republican-led states to challenge federal education policies and reshape public school systems.
With Trump’s administration and Texas lawmakers pushing for reduced government interference and expanded educational options, the national education landscape may see further policy shifts in the months ahead.