Donald Trump's appointment of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education raised eyebrows due to her background primarily in the entertainment and business sectors, rather than in education. Linda McMahon, known for her role as CEO of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), which she helped grow into an international enterprise alongside her husband, Vince McMahon, transitioned into politics with her bids for U.S. Senate in 2010 and 2012 in Connecticut, although both attempts were unsuccessful.

Her involvement with Trump began notably during his presidential campaign when she became a significant donor and later co-chaired his transition team. While her business acumen was widely recognized, her appointment to head the Education Department was chiefly criticized for her lack of direct experience in education management and policy.

Supporters pointed to her executive skills and leadership in managing a large corporation as indicative of her ability to handle the complexities of a major government agency like the Education Department. Meanwhile, critics argued that her experience did not translate into understanding the nuanced needs of educational oversight and reform.

Trump praised McMahon's leadership abilities and her support for "school choice," a movement that advocates for charter schools and school voucher programs, suggesting that these priorities would form part of her agenda while leading the Education Department. The nomination placed McMahon in position to significantly influence educational policy, particularly in areas concerning educational management and privatization efforts, aligning with broader Republican viewpoints on education reform.