By Reeturaj - Nov 20, 2024
47th President Donald Trump nominates Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE, as education secretary. McMahon, a Trump ally who led the Small Business Administration, lacks education experience but chairs a pro-Trump think tank. Trump plans to close the Department of Education and highlights McMahon's advocacy for parental rights. McMahon faces controversy over a lawsuit involving WWE. Dr. Mehmet Oz's nomination to run Medicaid also draws criticism for his unproven health advice. Trump emphasizes Oz's qualifications, as his Republican Party platform promises healthcare reform and transparency. Critics question Trump's cabinet choices, raising concerns about their experience and potential conflicts of interest.
Linda McMahon via Flickr
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47th President Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as his education secretary. McMahon, a longtime ally of Trump, previously led the Small Business Administration during his first presidency and has donated millions to his campaign. Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social, praising McMahon's leadership experience and her understanding of education and business.
McMahon's appointment follows Trump's selection of Dr. Mehmet Oz to run Medicaid, raising concerns about the qualifications of his cabinet choices. Although McMahon has limited experience in education—having served on Connecticut's state board of education from 2009 to 2010—she currently chairs the pro-Trump think tank America First Policy Institute, which increases the likelihood of her confirmation in the Republican-majority Senate.
Trump has vowed to close the Department of Education, a task that McMahon may oversee. In his statement, Trump highlighted McMahon's advocacy for parents' rights and the expansion of school choice. However, McMahon faces controversy, including a lawsuit alleging that she and her husband permitted young boys to be abused by a WWE ringside announcer.
Dr. Oz's nomination has also drawn criticism due to his promotion of unproven health advice and "miracle" cures. As head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, he will oversee healthcare for millions of Americans. Trump described Oz as "the most qualified physician" to help make America healthy again.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services manages over $1.4 trillion in healthcare spending, regulating insurance and setting prices for medical services. Trump's Republican Party platform promises increased transparency, choice, and competition in healthcare. Oz's nomination will require Senate confirmation next year.
Critics question Trump's cabinet choices, citing a lack of relevant experience and potential conflicts of interest. McMahon and Oz's nominations follow Trump's selection of Howard Lutnick for commerce secretary, strengthening a trend of appointing loyal supporters to key roles. As Senate confirmations approach, concerns about the qualifications and agendas of Trump's nominees continue to grow.
