Linda McMahon
Secretary of the Department of Education
Doug Burgum, appointed by President Donald Trump as Secretary of the Department of the Interior, has deep ties to the fossil fuel industry. As governor of North Dakota, he forged close relationships with oil magnates like Harold Hamm of Continental Resources, co-hosting industry events and supporting initiatives that benefited companies with which he had financial interests . Burgum has also been a vocal advocate for carbon capture technologies, though his support for eminent domain to facilitate pipeline projects has faced criticism from landowners. Additionally, he signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and reinstating the name "Mount McKinley" for Denali, moves that have been met with controversy. Burgum has also suggested adding Trump's likeness to Mount Rushmore, further aligning himself with the former president's legacy.
McMahon was controversially appointed to Connecticut's State Board of Education in 2009.
In 2009, Linda McMahon's appointment to Connecticut's State Board of Education faced strong opposition due to her lack of experience in education and her leadership role at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which was criticized for promoting violence and sexualized content. Andrew Fleischmann, then chair of the House Education Committee, led the pushback, citing concerns about WWE's negative influence on children. Despite the controversy, McMahon was confirmed in a 96-45 vote. Her name resurfaced later as a nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education under President-elect Donald Trump. WWE had started shifting to PG-rated content by then, responding to public and scientific criticism.
Trump wants to dismantle the Department of Education.
Executive Order
President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to return control over education to the states. The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to lead the shutdown while ensuring current services continue. The administration has already begun slashing the department’s workforce, cutting funding, and targeting programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and “gender ideology.” The move aligns with long-standing conservative goals and has backing from GOP governors and right-leaning groups, though some Republican lawmakers remain hesitant. Full elimination of the department will require Senate approval, which may be difficult to secure.
Impact on Students
Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, as proposed by President Trump and his administration, would have wide-reaching effects on American schools, particularly those serving low-income, disabled, and English learner students. While the executive order to dismantle the department signals a major political shift, actual elimination would require an act of Congress—something experts say is unlikely, despite Republican majorities.
The department currently oversees about $80 billion in funding and manages over $1 trillion in student loans. It distributes federal funds for critical programs like Title I (for low-income schools), IDEA (for students with disabilities), teacher training, and civil rights enforcement in education. Without the department, these responsibilities would need to be reassigned to other agencies—something no clear plan currently outlines.
Critics argue that shuttering the department would harm vulnerable students and disrupt essential services. Some see the order more as political theater than a concrete step, warning it could polarize public opinion and end up in court if pushed too far. Meanwhile, the administration has already canceled major grants and scaled back operations, especially in areas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Linda McMahon covered up a child sexual assault law suit targeted at her husband while she was an executive at WWE.
CSA Cover Up
Linda McMahon’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Education is under intense scrutiny due to her alleged involvement in a child sex abuse cover-up during her time as an executive at WWE. A 2023 lawsuit accuses McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon, WWE, and its parent company of enabling sexual abuse of underage boys—known as “ring boys”—by WWE announcer Melvin Phillips in the 1980s. McMahon is not accused of abuse herself but is alleged to have known about the misconduct and failed to act, even reportedly rehiring Phillips after initial allegations.
Lack of Remorse
Survivors and their families say McMahon’s lack of accountability and remorse makes her unfit to oversee the Education Department, especially its Office for Civil Rights, which enforces child protection laws like Title IX. Critics argue her involvement in this abuse scandal undermines her credibility to safeguard students and manage federal civil rights enforcement in schools.
Changing Title IX would remove protections for sexual assault victims.
Undermines Civil Rights Protections
The nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education is raising serious concerns among education advocates, especially regarding the potential rollback of Title IX protections that safeguard LGBTQ+ students and women. Critics warn that McMahon, who lacks a background in education and is tied to a lawsuit alleging she ignored child sexual abuse at WWE, could undermine civil rights protections if confirmed.
Limits Schools' Responsibilities to Prosecute Abuse
Advocates fear a repeat of the Trump-era Title IX changes under Betsy DeVos, which made it harder for survivors to report sexual assault and limited schools' responsibilities. Experts argue that under McMahon, protections for LGBTQ+ students, pregnant and parenting students, and students of color could be weakened or dismantled entirely—especially as the administration pushes to eliminate the Department of Education altogether.
What Happens Without Title IX?
Title IX, a federal civil rights law, plays a crucial role in preventing sex-based discrimination in schools. Stripping its protections would leave vulnerable students more exposed to harassment, discrimination, and abuse, with fewer paths for justice or support. Critics say McMahon's lack of accountability and experience, paired with her political agenda, signals a dangerous step backward for student safety and equity.
Linda McMahon confused "AI" for "A1", like the steak sauce.
A1 v. AI
At a recent education innovation summit, Education Secretary Linda McMahon mistakenly confused "AI" (artificial intelligence) with "A.1.", the steak sauce brand, sparking widespread amusement online and a clever marketing response from A.1. itself. During her speech, McMahon correctly mentioned AI at first, but later declared that “every school should have A1 teaching,” prompting confusion and jokes. She continued, saying, “Let’s see A1 and how can that be helpful,” seemingly unaware of the mix-up.
A.1.'s Response
A.1. Sauce quickly capitalized on the moment, posting a humorous Instagram response: “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.” The post went viral, with users praising the brand’s playful jab and even pledging to buy sauce in support.
McMahon worked with the America First Policy Institute.
Linda McMahon’s nomination as Secretary of Education has sparked major concerns not just because of her lack of education credentials, but especially due to her leadership role at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI)—a key MAGA-aligned think tank deeply influential in shaping Trump-era policy.
AFPI as MAGA's Policy Engine:
McMahon served as the former head of AFPI, which has become the central hub for Trumpworld’s policy planning during his time out of office. While groups like the Heritage Foundation have garnered attention, AFPI has been the main source of Trump’s second-term agenda, pushing hardline conservative initiatives and acting as a landing pad for former Trump officials.
Education Privatization Agenda:
Under McMahon, AFPI has aggressively promoted charter schools, voucher programs, and education savings accounts (ESAs)—all designed to funnel public funds into private education and weaken teachers' unions. This reflects a broader goal to undermine public education and build a parallel, market-based system skewed toward wealthy and often ideologically conservative families.
Anti-Title IX and Anti-LGBTQ+ Efforts:
AFPI, under McMahon’s leadership, has opposed expanding Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students and survivors of sexual assault. The group has spread false narratives that trans-inclusive policies make schools “unsafe” for women, despite no supporting evidence. This is part of a broader culture war strategy to roll back civil rights protections in schools.
Push for Nationalized Right-Wing Curricula:
AFPI backs the revival of Trump’s 1776 Commission, which aims to replace honest education about systemic racism with a “patriotic” curriculum. AFPI figures like Jerry C. Davis—known for anti-LGBTQ+ policies at College of the Ozarks—are central to this effort.
State-Level Legislative Campaigns:
Beyond Washington, AFPI is driving education policy at the state level, lobbying for school voucher bills in Georgia and anti-DEI legislation in Ohio that would erase diversity programs and suppress student activism for marginalized groups.