President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Linda McMahon, the co-chair of his transition committee, has been selected to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Education. McMahon previously held the position of administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump's first term.
Reports earlier on Tuesday had indicated that McMahon was likely to be chosen for the role. As Secretary of the Department of Education, McMahon will be responsible for overseeing the direction, supervision, and coordination of all activities within the department. Additionally, she will serve as the principal adviser to the president on federal policies, programs, and activities related to education in the United States.
The Department of Education plays a crucial role in administering federal funding allocated by Congress to K-12 schools and managing federal student loan and financial aid programs. Despite Trump's previous pledge to abolish the department, the specifics of how he plans to do so remain unclear. Shutting down the Department of Education would require an act of Congress, and the potential impact on federally funded education programs is yet to be determined.
